A group of 13 Australians related to alleged Islamic State (Isis) jihadists is returning home from Syria, Australian authorities said on Wednesday, warning some will face arrest.
The four women and nine children, who had been living in Roj camp in Syria, are expected to land in Sydney and Melbourne airports on Thursday, according to local media.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said he received an alert on Wednesday morning when the group’s travel booking was made.
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“The government is not assisting and will not assist these individuals,” he told a news conference. “They made an appalling, disgraceful decision. If any of these individuals find their way back to Australia, if they have committed crimes, they can expect to face the full force of the law, without exception.”
Police said they collected evidence in Syria as they investigated whether Australians had committed crimes under Australian law, including travelling to a prohibited area and engaging in slave trade.
“Some individuals will be arrested and charged,” Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett said.