Full Breakdown
Australian ISIS-Linked Women and Children Return from Syrian Detention Camp
5/27/2026, 1:37:54 AM
Second Cohort Arrives in Melbourne and Sydney
On Tuesday 26 May 2026 two Qatar-Airways flights landed in Melbourne (? 4:30 p.m.) and Sydney (? 5:30 p.m.) carrying the second group of Australians linked to the Islamic State (IS). The flights brought seven women and twelve children, according to Australian government releases, though other outlets reported six women and thirteen children. No arrests were made on arrival, but the Australian Federal Police (AFP) began standard operational checks.
Background: al-Roj Camp and Legal Framework
The passengers had been detained since 2019 in al-Roj, a Kurdish-run camp in north-eastern Syria that housed families of IS fighters after the group’s territorial defeat. Australia introduced “temporary exclusion orders” (TEOs) in 2019 to bar high-risk citizens from returning for up to two years. One woman, Hodan Abby, remains in Syria under a TEO with her nine-year-old daughter, who suffers shrapnel-related injuries.
Key Individuals
- Kawsar Ahmed (aka Kawsar Abbas), 53, and daughter Zeinab Ahmed, 31 – arrested in Melbourne on slavery-related allegations.
- Janai Safar, 32 – arrested in Sydney on terrorism-related charges.
- Kirsty Rosse-Emile and Kawsar Kanj – arrived in Melbourne; no immediate charges reported.
- Nesrine Zahab, Aminah Zahab, Sumaya Zahab, and Hyam Raad – arrived in Sydney; under investigation.
- Hodan Abby – subject to a TEO; remains in Syria with her child.
Timeline of Repatriations
- 2014 – Australian agencies begin planning for potential returns.
- 2019 – IS defeat; al-Roj camp established.
- May 7 2026 – First cohort (4 women, 9 children) returns; three women arrested.
- May 26 2026 – Second cohort (7 women, 12 children) returns; investigations ongoing.
Data Summary
- Total individuals returned in May 2026: 19 (7 women, 12 children).
- Earlier May 2026 cohort: 13 (4 women, 9 children).
- Cumulative returnees this year: 32 people.
- Charges announced for the latest cohort: none at the airport; investigations continue.
Government Statements
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke reiterated that the government “has not and will not provide any assistance to this group” and warned that anyone who “has committed crimes can expect to face the full force of the law.” The AFP confirmed standard searches of belongings and device data extraction, adding that “no one arriving within this cohort has been charged, however, investigations … are ongoing.” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he has “nothing but contempt for anyone who has any sympathy for ISIS.”
Opposition and Public Criticism
National Party leader Matt Canavan questioned the lack of exclusion orders, stating, “Their job is to protect Australians, and these people betrayed their country.” Liberal frontbencher Andrew Hastie described the government’s approach as “very passive.” Save the Children Australia CEO Mat Tinkler urged prioritisation of the children’s safety and wellbeing.
Arrival Details and Community Response
Both flights were escorted through side doors to avoid media congestion. In Melbourne, a brief scuffle occurred when a relative of a returning woman confronted a photographer. Families greeted arrivals with balloons and “welcome home” signs, while police maintained a low-profile presence.
Conflicting Reports and Information Gaps
Sources differ on the exact composition of the cohort (seven women/12 children vs. six women/13 children). Media outlets also disagree on whether any arrests were made on arrival; AFP statements deny arrests, whereas some reports cite immediate detentions of Kawsar Ahmed and Janai Safar. Details of the investigations and potential charges remain undisclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The government has not and will not provide any assistance to this group,” — Tony Burke, Home Affairs Minister
- “These are people who have made the horrific choice to join a dangerous terrorist organisation and to place their children in an unspeakable situation.” — Tony Burke
- “(9News) "I have nothing but contempt for anyone who has anything sympathy for ISIS," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said today.” — Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister
- “These innocent children have endured years in dangerous and unstable conditions, and we have held serious concerns for their safety and wellbeing,” — Mat Tinkler, Save the Children Australia CEO
- “Their job is to protect Australians, and these people betrayed their country.” — Matt Canavan, Nationals Leader
Outlook and Ongoing Actions
The AFP will continue investigations into possible criminal conduct, while security agencies monitor the returnees under existing plans. The remaining woman and child in Syria remain subject to a TEO, and legal challenges to the order are anticipated.
