Story perspectives

Australian Women, Children Evacuated from Syria Amid IS Charges

5/22/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A bus with Australian women and children left al-Roj camp in north-eastern Syria, escorted by Syrian officials, heading to Damascus.
Several women say they were coerced into joining the Islamic State, two face slavery charges, another a terrorist-organization charge, and three of four returnees were arrested by the Australian Federal Police.
Opposition says the government endangers the public, while legal experts say no authority exists to stop citizens from traveling.

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Story summary

A bus with Australian women and children left al-Roj camp in north-eastern Syria, escorted by Syrian officials, heading to Damascus.
Several women say they were coerced into joining the Islamic State, two face slavery charges, another a terrorist-organization charge, and three of four returnees were arrested by the Australian Federal Police.
Opposition says the government endangers the public, while legal experts say no authority exists to stop citizens from traveling.