Story perspectives

US Presses Australia to Return ISIS Families; Canberra Rejects

4/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. State Department officials urged Australia to repatriate four ISIS-linked women and nine children from al-Roj camp, citing lower security costs.
Australia has refused the return despite the families holding tickets to depart Damascus.
Australian National Imams Council, Muslim Legal Network and Lebanese Muslim Association urged the government to allow families back on children’s rights.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles warned any arrivals would face the force of the law.

1 of 1

Story summary

U.S. State Department officials urged Australia to repatriate four ISIS-linked women and nine children from al-Roj camp, citing lower security costs.
Australia has refused the return despite the families holding tickets to depart Damascus.
Australian National Imams Council, Muslim Legal Network and Lebanese Muslim Association urged the government to allow families back on children’s rights.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles warned any arrivals would face the force of the law.