Australian Citizens Linked to Islamic State Try to Return from Syria

Apr 27, 2026, 08:35

Introduction

A group of Australian citizens, including four women and nine children, are currently trying to return to Australia from Syria via Damascus. The Australian government has stated that it is not helping with this return, even though the individuals have the required travel documents.

Main Body

The group recently left the al-Roj camp in north-eastern Syria, where they had been held for seven years after the fall of the Islamic State. This is their second attempt to return since February, as a previous effort involving 34 people failed. Although the group has flight tickets, their travel still depends on the approval of Syrian authorities and officials in the countries where they will stop over. From a government perspective, the Albanese administration has refused to provide assistance. Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong emphasized that the state is not organizing the repatriation of these individuals. However, the government provided passports to the citizens because of legal obligations. Officials asserted that any returnees who committed crimes will face legal action upon arrival, and those considered security risks will be monitored. Political opinions on this issue are divided. The Coalition has criticized the government for avoiding its responsibilities, and some members suggested using special powers to stop terrorist sympathizers from returning. On the other hand, advocates and members of the Greens argue that the children are innocent victims. They claim that an organized return is the safest option for the country and emphasized that many women were pressured into moving to the conflict zone.

Conclusion

The group is currently in Damascus waiting to leave. The Australian government continues to deny active support for their return, while maintaining that anyone who arrives in Australia will be processed according to national security and legal rules.

Vocabulary Learning

administration (n.)

group of people who run a government or organization / the management of a government行政管理

Example:The administration announced new policies to improve education.

conflict (n.)

serious disagreement or argument, especially a war or struggle衝突

Example:The conflict in the region has displaced thousands of families.

repatriation (n.)

return / the act of sending someone back to their own country回國

Example:The repatriation of the refugees was delayed by the new travel restrictions.

responsibilities (n.)

duties or obligations that someone must fulfil責任

Example:The company has responsibilities to ensure the safety of its workers.

sympathizers (n.)

people who support or share the feelings of another, especially in a political or religious context同情者

Example:The authorities are monitoring the sympathizers of the extremist group.

Sentence Learning

They had been held for seven years after the fall of the Islamic State.

Passive Voice: The verb phrase 'had been held' is in the passive voice, indicating that the action was performed on the subject rather than by the subject.被動語態: 動詞短語 'had been held' 以被動語態呈現，表示動作是被施加於主語，而非主語主動執行。

Although the group has flight tickets, their travel still depends on the approval of Syrian authorities and officials in the countries where they will stop over.

Contrastive Linking Word: The word 'although' introduces a contrast between having flight tickets and still needing approval.對照連接詞: 'although' 這個連接詞引入了擁有機票與仍需批准之間的對照。

The group recently left the al-Roj camp in north-eastern Syria, where they had been held for seven years after the fall of the Islamic State.

Relative Clause: The clause 'where they had been held for seven years' provides additional information about the location of the al-Roj camp.關係子句: 子句 'where they had been held for seven years' 為 al-Roj 道營的位置提供了額外資訊。