Australia Prepares for Return of 19 Women and Children Linked to ISIS from Syria

The Australian government announced on Tuesday that a group of 19 Australian women and children linked to the terrorist organization ISIS have booked flights to return from Syria, with some potentially facing criminal charges.

The group, consisting of seven women and 12 children, was expected to arrive on flights to Sydney and Melbourne on Tuesday, less than three weeks after a similar group of 13 individuals returned to Australia’s two largest cities under comparable circumstances.

Charges related to slavery and terrorism offenses have been filed against three of the four women who returned on previous flights, and these women remain in custody.

Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stated that anyone among the 19 returning who has committed crimes "can expect to face the full force of the law."

Burke added in a statement, "The government has not provided and will not provide any assistance to this group." He continued, "These are individuals who made the terrible decision to join a dangerous terrorist organization and expose their children to an indescribable situation."

He also noted that Australian law enforcement and intelligence agencies have been preparing for their return since 2014 and have long-standing plans in place to manage and monitor them. Burke emphasized, "The government’s priority, as always, is the safety of the Australian community."