SULAIMANI (ESTA) — Australia has a plan to rescue dozens of its citizens which consists of women and children of Islamic State fighters from refugee camps in Syria, media reported on Monday.
Canberra is set to rescue dozens of Australians following a secret mission by the country’s security intelligence agency, according to Media reports.
The government did not immediately confirm reports that 16 women and 42 children of dead or jailed Islamic State fighters who have been held in camps for three and a half years would be repatriated.
“The Australian Government’s overriding priority is the protection of Australians and Australia’s national interests, informed by national security adviser,” a spokesperson for Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil said in emailed comments.
Australia first rescued eight children and grandchildren of two dead Islamic State fighters from a Syrian refugee camp in 2019 but has held off repatriating any others until now.
