Syria: Australia 'will not repatriate' citizens suspected of IS ties

Australia on Saturday refused to assist in repatriating citizens linked to suspected Islamic State jihadists, following reports that some Australian families were attempting to return home from a camp in Syria.

Public broadcaster ABC reported that four Australian women, along with nine of their children and grandchildren, left the Roj camp in northeastern Syria on Friday, citing the camp’s director. Syrian forces were taking them to Damascus to help them fly back to Australia, the report said.

“The Australian government does not and will not repatriate people from Syria,” a government spokesperson said in a statement provided to AFP. “Our security agencies have monitored, and continue to monitor, the situation in Syria to ensure they are prepared to accommodate any Australian wishing to return,” the spokesperson added. “People in this group should know that if they have committed a crime and return to Australia, they will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”

The government’s “top priority” is the safety of Australians and the protection of national interests, the spokesperson said. The group is among a total of 34 Australians in the camp who failed in their attempt to return home in February, apparently due to a coordination issue with the Syrian government.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the time said the government would not provide any assistance, stating: “You reap what you sow.”

The repatriation of families of Islamic State members remains a controversial issue in Australia, with some political leaders warning of the threat they may pose to national security.