A group of Australian families with ties to former Islamic State fighters have launched a new attempt to return home from a Syrian refugee camp. Four women—Zeinab Ahmed, Kawsar Abbas, Zahra Ahmed, and Janai Safar—along with nine children and grandchildren, left the Al Roj camp on Friday.
Syrian interior forces arrived at the camp to transport the group directly to Damascus. Al Roj camp director Hakmiyeh Ibrahim described the coordination between the camp and the Syrian government as “perfect” to facilitate the families’ flight back to their home country.
A History of Failed Attempts and Political Tension
This movement follows a failed attempt in February 2026, when 11 women and 23 children tried to abandon the Kurdish-controlled north-eastern region. That group was forced to turn back during a 10-hour road journey to Damascus due to what was described as an administrative coordination issue.
Supporters of the families, including Sydney doctor Jamal Rifi, suggested that a media tip-off may have thwarted that previous attempt. Dr. Rifi had previously brought single-use travel documents to Syria for the group.
The situation has caused a significant political divide within Australia. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated he had no sympathy for the families’ plight and insisted the government was not assisting their departure from Al Roj.
However, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke noted that Australia has a legal obligation to provide passports to the group because they are citizens. This tension is further complicated by national security measures; one woman was issued a Temporary Exclusion Order (TEO) barring her return to Australia for two years.
Shifting Power Dynamics in Syria
The current attempt to leave occurs amidst a major shift in Syrian power dynamics. Since early 2026, government forces loyal to President Ahmed al-Sharaa have been sweeping through territories previously held by the Kurdish-led SDF for nearly a decade.
These forces have moved into areas surrounding notorious sites like the Al Hol camp, where many of the Australian women and children had previously lived. The Syrian government has accused the SDF of abandoning posts at major prisons, which they claim led to breakouts of IS fighters.
The Human and Security Stakes
The women in these camps have varied backgrounds; some accompanied husbands during the height of the Islamic State’s rampage, although others married fighters after arriving in the region. Some claim they were lured to Syria under false pretences.
Kurdish authorities have repeatedly urged countries, including Australia, to repatriate their citizens. Legal experts have warned that leaving these individuals, particularly children born in camps like Al Roj, could lead to a grave risk of further radicalisation.
What May Happen Next
While four families have now left for Damascus, camp director Hakmiyeh Ibrahim stated there are currently no plans for the remaining Australians in Al Roj to leave. However, she indicated that contact with other countries is ongoing, suggesting more releases could occur in the future.
The successful transport of this small group to Damascus may indicate a shift in how the Syrian government and camp authorities coordinate exits. Other Australian citizens may attempt similar journeys if the current group successfully reaches Australia.
The federal opposition’s proposal to criminalise assistance provided to those with links to the Islamic State could also lead to increased legal scrutiny for supporters attempting to facilitate these repatriations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the women currently attempting to return to Australia?
The women are identified as Zeinab Ahmed, Kawsar Abbas, Zahra Ahmed, and Janai Safar. They are traveling with nine children and grandchildren.
Why did the attempt to leave the camp fail in February?
The February attempt involving 11 women and 23 children was halted during the journey to Damascus. It was officially described as an administrative issue regarding coordination with Syrian government forces, though supporters claim a media tip-off played a role.
What is a Temporary Exclusion Order (TEO)?
A TEO is a national security measure; in this case, one was issued to one of the women in the camp, barring her from traveling to Australia for a period of two years.
Do you believe national security concerns outweigh the legal obligation to provide citizens with travel documents?
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