Four women, nine children linked to IS to arrive Thursday, face arrest

Four women and nine children with ties to Islamic State are returning to Australia. This group is smaller than the 34 Australians previously in the Al Roj camp.
By Newsroom | National Security, Australia |

MELBOURNE and SYDNEY – A group comprising four women and nine children, all Australian citizens with ties to former Islamic State fighters, are expected to arrive in Australia on Thursday. Their return, confirmed by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, has triggered warnings of immediate arrests and potential criminal charges from the Australian Federal Police (AFP).

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==The cohort, having departed the Al Roj camp in Syria in late April, has secured flights to Australia, with arrivals anticipated in both Melbourne and Sydney. The Albanese government has reiterated its stance of offering no assistance for their repatriation, emphasizing that the individuals are not being "repatriated."==

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AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett stated that members of the group will face arrest upon their arrival. While the exact number facing charges remains unspecified, some are slated for further investigation. The children within the group are designated for community integration programs, therapeutic support, and countering violent extremist initiatives.

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Governmental Stance and Public Scrutiny

Minister Burke indicated that Australia's position on individuals linked to IS has not shifted. He was reportedly alerted to the flight bookings as soon as they were made. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been firm in stating the government is not facilitating this return in any capacity.

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Opposition Leader Angus Taylor has called for government clarity regarding the arrangements for the returning group.

Background of the Cohort

The individuals in question are understood to be part of a larger contingent of 34 Australian women and their children who have been situated in the Al Roj camp in northern Syria for several years, following the territorial collapse of the Islamic State.

One identified individual, Zahra Ahmed, a 33-year-old woman, claims she and her family travelled to Syria for humanitarian work. She is the widow of an IS recruiter, Muhammad Zahab. Her mother, Kawsar Abbas (54), is expected to travel with her adult daughters, Zeinab and Zahra Ahmed, and their respective children. Reports indicate that several male members of this extended family fought for Islamic State.

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An Australian international law expert has noted that there are no legal impediments preventing citizens from returning to Australia. Nevertheless, the circumstances of their return and potential repercussions remain a point of national discussion. An estimated 60 IS-linked Australians, including roughly 30 women and children, are believed to still be located offshore, with others remaining in displacement camps.

Previously, in late September 2025, two women and four children linked to IS arrived in Victoria after reportedly self-smuggling from a Syrian camp. Authorities have acknowledged that not all Australian women connected to IS engaged in criminal activity, and some legal experts have advocated for formal, transparent repatriation processes for remaining individuals to prevent such ad-hoc returns.

Read More: 13 Australians from ISIS Camp Arrive Thursday, Face Arrest

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are the four women and nine children linked to Islamic State arriving in Australia?
The group of four women and nine children, all Australian citizens with ties to former Islamic State fighters, are expected to arrive in Australia on Thursday, June 5, 2026.
Q: What will happen to the women and children when they arrive in Australia?
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has warned that members of the group will face arrest upon arrival. Some may face criminal charges or further investigation.
Q: What is the government's position on these individuals returning to Australia?
The Albanese government has stated it is not offering assistance for their repatriation and is not facilitating their return in any capacity. They are not being 'repatriated' by the government.
Q: What will happen to the children who are part of this group?
The children are designated for community integration programs, therapeutic support, and initiatives aimed at countering violent extremism.
Q: How many Australians linked to Islamic State are believed to still be overseas?
It is estimated that around 60 IS-linked Australians, including approximately 30 women and children, are still located offshore, with others remaining in displacement camps.