AM Australian ISIS linked families try to flee Syria
Feb 16, 2026
Sarah Tamevska, political reporter who covers domestic responses to repatriation issues. Matthew Doran, Middle East correspondent reporting from Al-Roj and the convoy toward Damascus. They discuss Australians with IS links trying to leave Syria, the convoy being turned back, debates over repatriation and security checks, and the politics around migration policy.
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Return Journey Thwarted At Syrian Checkpoint
- A convoy of 11 Australian families (11 women, 23 children) left Al-Roj camp hoping to return to Australia.
- Syrian government authorities turned the convoy back, saying travel hadn’t been coordinated with Damascus.
Repatriation Is Limited And Politically Sensitive
- Australia has repatriated small numbers previously but faces limits and political sensitivity over returns from Syria.
- The government must issue passports yet insists it did not facilitate this group's travel.
Al-Roj Camp Holds Concentrated Foreign Nationals
- Al-Roj camp houses many foreign nationals and an area called 'Australia Street' where dozens of Australians lived.
- Camp director Hakmiya Ibrahim appealed to countries to repatriate their citizens.