Australia: A new group of women and children linked to the Islamic State repatriated from Syria

A second group of Australian women and children with suspected links to the Islamic State group has returned to Australia from a refugee camp in Syria, according to authorities and local media. This repatriation operation comes just weeks after a similar return.

In total, six women and 13 children have arrived in Australia, with arrivals split between Sydney and Melbourne. According to available information, two women and seven children landed in Melbourne on Tuesday afternoon from Doha, while another flight carrying four women and six children arrived in Sydney that evening.

The Australian government clarified that it did not provide any assistance for this trip. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stated that anyone found guilty of offenses could be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, reiterating that the judicial authorities would apply "the full force of the law" if necessary.

In a statement, the minister also emphasized that these individuals had chosen to join a dangerous terrorist organization and expose their children to particularly difficult living conditions in conflict zones. These remarks reflect the political sensitivity surrounding the return of these nationals.

This repatriation comes after a similar operation earlier this month, during which four women and nine children were transferred from Syria. Upon arrival, some of the women were immediately arrested and charged with serious offenses, including slavery and terrorism-related crimes.

Australian authorities say returning individuals will undergo thorough investigations to determine their potential involvement in Islamic State activities. Security services are closely monitoring these repatriations, as refugee camps in Syria continue to house families linked to former fighters of the jihadist group.