Four Australian women and nine of their children and grandchildren have departed from the al-Roj detention camp in north-east Syria, reportedly travelling to Damascus in an effort to return to Australia. The group is said to be crossing Syria by road under the control of the Syrian government, according to sources.
Background of the Detainees
The women, wives and widows of jailed or deceased Islamic State fighters, along with their children, have been held at the camp for over six years without criminal charges. However, one woman has been issued a temporary exclusion order preventing her return to Australia. A further seven Australian women and 14 children remain in the camp, sources confirmed on Saturday.
Conditions in al-Roj Camp
The camp, controlled by the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), is being gradually closed ahead of an expected handover to the Syrian government. Conditions have worsened significantly, with outbreaks of dysentery and influenza spreading rapidly among the population, particularly affecting undernourished children living in dilapidated tents. The camp is also a frequent target for Islamic State incursions. The United States has described the detention camps as "incubators for radicalisation."
Previous Attempt and Current Repatriation
In February 2026, the entire Australian cohort attempted to leave but was turned back by Syrian government forces after two hours on the road due to a lack of coordination. This time, the camp director, Hakmiyeh Ibrahim, stated that coordination with the Syrian government was "perfect" for the repatriation. He added that there are currently no plans for the remaining Australians to leave, but contacts with multiple countries continue in hopes of future releases.
Australian Government's Stance
The Australian government has refused to assist in repatriating its citizens, despite other countries actively doing so since 2022. Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles reiterated on Saturday that the government is not participating in the repatriation of this cohort. While two successful repatriation missions were conducted in 2019 and 2022, subsequent efforts have been abandoned. In 2024, then Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil prepared a plan to repatriate the remaining Australians, but it was shelved due to concerns over backlash from community groups in marginal seats in western Sydney.
US Involvement and Security Concerns
The United States funds security operations in north-east Syria through the SDF and has urged allies to repatriate their citizens, warning that Islamic State continues to indoctrinate residents and infiltrate detention facilities at al-Roj. The US wants the camp closed and has withdrawn funding to push for repatriations.
