Australia Prepares for Return of Families Linked to Islamic State

Australia is preparing for the return of 13 citizens, including women and children, linked to the Islamic State in Syria. The government will not assist their return, and suspects of criminal activity may face legal consequences. Authorities have contingency plans dating back to 2014 for such situations.

Australia announced on Wednesday the impending return of 13 members of Australian families, including four women and nine children, from Syria. These individuals are linked to the extremist group Islamic State. The Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke, emphasized that the government would not facilitate their return in any form.

Burke highlighted the severe restrictions on preventing Australian nationals from entering their home country. He also assured that anyone suspected of criminal activities would face legal action without exception. Australian law enforcement has had contingency plans in preparation for such events since 2014.

These preparations were reiterated by Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett, who mentioned that returning citizens could be subject to arrest and investigation. However, children among the returnees might receive community reintegration support. Many of these women initially traveled to Syria to join their Islamic State-affiliated husbands before the group's decline in 2019.