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Australia's Repatriation Effort for ISIS Families Faces Syrian Threat

2/24/2026

50 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Syrian officials warned 34 Australian women and children linked to Islamic State they would be fired upon if they approached Damascus.
The group, escorted by Kurdish forces, aimed to return to Australia after leaving the al-Roj detention camp, sparking outrage in Australia.
The Syrian government said it had not been informed of the repatriation effort.
Australia’s government opposes the return, according to Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke.

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Story summary

Syrian officials warned 34 Australian women and children linked to Islamic State they would be fired upon if they approached Damascus.
The group, escorted by Kurdish forces, aimed to return to Australia after leaving the al-Roj detention camp, sparking outrage in Australia.
The Syrian government said it had not been informed of the repatriation effort.
Australia’s government opposes the return, according to Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke.