Damascus, Syria: Australia Syria ISIS families were turned back by Syrian authorities after attempting to leave a detention camp and return home, with officials in Damascus saying Australia refused to receive them.
Syria’s Ministry of Information said the group of 13 women and children, who had travelled from Al-Roj camp in north-eastern Syria, were stopped before departing from Damascus airport and remain stranded pending coordination with international parties.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said the Australian government was not facilitating their return and would not interfere in operational matters, adding that individuals in the group face differing legal and security assessments.
Burke confirmed at least one person had been issued a Temporary Exclusion Order on advice from the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), barring entry to Australia for up to two years on national security grounds.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the United States has long urged countries to repatriate citizens from Syrian camps, but maintained that Australia’s position has remained unchanged.
A February communication from the United States Department of State called on governments to take back nationals held in camps, citing regional security concerns, according to officials familiar with the correspondence.
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The group had obtained Australian passports, reportedly with assistance from Sydney-based doctor Jamal Rifi, and travelled toward Damascus in coordination with local security forces. Opposition home affairs spokesperson Jonno Duniam said Syrian authorities appeared uncertain about Australia’s position and called for clarity on any discussions with US officials regarding the group.
