Four Australian women and nine of their children and grandchildren have left al-Roj detention camp in north-east Syria, reportedly travelling to Damascus in an attempt to return to Australia. The group is under the control of the Syrian government as they journey by road, according to sources.
Background of the Detainees
The women are wives or widows of jailed or dead Islamic State fighters, along with their children. They have been held at al-Roj camp for over six years without being charged with any crime. However, one woman has been issued a temporary exclusion order preventing her return to Australia. Seven additional Australian women and 14 children remain in the camp.
Conditions in the 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, with frequent outbreaks of dysentery and influenza spreading rapidly among the malnourished population living in dilapidated tents. The camp is also a target for Islamic State incursions. The US has described such detention camps as “incubators for radicalisation”.
Previous Attempts and Coordination
In February 2026, the entire Australian cohort attempted to leave but was turned back by Syrian forces due to lack of coordination. This time, the al-Roj camp director confirmed that coordination with the Syrian government was perfect, enabling the departure. The group holds valid Australian travel documents.
Australian Government Stance
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles stated that the government is not participating in this repatriation. Despite two successful missions in 2019 and 2022, the government has refused further repatriations. One returned woman was charged with entering a proscribed area. In October 2025, two women and four children escaped to Lebanon and returned to Australia on a commercial flight. A 2024 repatriation plan was abandoned due to concerns about backlash in electorally sensitive areas.
International Context
The US funds security operations in north-east Syria and has urged allies to repatriate their citizens, aiming to close the camp. Islamic State continues to indoctrinate residents and infiltrate detention facilities.
The remaining Australians in al-Roj await future releases, with camp officials in contact with several countries.
