‘Evil choices’: Albanese won’t say when IS brides could return home
The US government has expressed frustration over Australia's opposition to repatriating ISIS-affiliated women and children from Syrian camps, as pressure mounts to close the facilities. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has not committed to a timeline for their return, stating the government offers no support for their repatriation. Sources indicate the group is currently in Damascus, released to families, and may travel back to Australia in stages amid concerns over legal consequences.
- ▪The US Department of State has urged countries, including Australia, to repatriate ISIS families as part of efforts to close Syrian detention camps.
- ▪Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has not provided a timeline for the return of the Australian women and children linked to ISIS, maintaining the government does not support their repatriation.
- ▪The group is currently in Damascus, has been released to local families, and is expected to return to Australia in separate groups rather than as a single unit.
- ▪Sources close to the process say the US and Syrian governments both have an interest in closing the camps, reducing long-term security and resource burdens.
- ▪The Australian government has emphasized that returning individuals will face the full force of the law, contributing to the group's anxiety about repatriation.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Sydney Morning Herald.