Australian IS-linked families arrive in Damascus
A group of seven Australian women and 14 children linked to Islamic State has arrived in Damascus after leaving the al-Roj refugee camp in Syria. The Australian government has not been informed about their travel plans, leading to uncertainty regarding their return to Australia. Previous returns of similar groups have resulted in arrests and legal consequences for some individuals upon arrival in Australia.
- ▪The group consists of seven women and 14 children linked to Islamic State.
- ▪They left the al-Roj camp and arrived in Damascus, but their return to Australia is uncertain.
- ▪The Australian government has not been notified of any booked flights for their return.
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Australian Islamic State-linked families arrive in Damascus from al-Roj campBy Fiona Wilan and Middle East correspondent Matthew DoranTopic:Unrest, Conflict and WarFri 22 May 2026 at 6:03pmFri 22 May 2026 at 6:03pmFri 22 May 2026 at 6:03pmA group of Australians has left the al-Roj refugee camp in Syria. (ABC News: Baderkhan Ahmad)In short:A group of seven Australian women and 14 children has left the al-Roj refugee camp for families linked to terrorist organisation Islamic State and arrived in Syria's capital, Damascus.The ABC understands the federal government has not been notified that flights have been booked at this stage, adding to the uncertainty around the timing of their next steps.What's next?Reports have not been confirmed that the group will head back to Australia this…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).