19 Australian women and children linked to Islamic State group set to return from Syria

A group of 19 Australian women and children linked to the Islamic State group have booked flights to return from Syria and some could face charges, Australia’s government says.

The seven women and 12 children are expected to arrive on flights to Sydney and Melbourne today, less than three weeks after a group of 13 people in similar situations returned to Australia’s two largest cities.

Three of the four women on the earlier flights were charged with slavery and terrorism offenses and remain behind bars.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke says anyone among the 19 on their way to Australia who has committed crimes “can expect to face the full force of the law.”

“The government has not and will not provide any assistance to this group,” Burke says in a statement.

“These are people who have made the horrific choice to join a dangerous terrorist organization and to place their children in an unspeakable situation,” he adds.

Australian law enforcement and intelligence agencies have been preparing for their return since 2014 and have long-standing plans in place to manage and monitor them, Burke says.

“The priority of the government, as always, is the safety of the Australian community,” he adds.