23 February 2026 - 11:17

The determination of the Syrian Kurds to extradite all the dependents of ISIS foreign fighters

World Service - The Autonomous Administration of Northeast Syria, emphasizing the necessity of coordination with foreign governments, is following up the process of extradition of the families of foreign ISIS fighters and has demanded the acceptance of responsibility from the countries whose nationals are kept in camps such as Roj and Al Houl. Officials of this department say that continued uncertainty will intensify security and humanitarian challenges.

According to Kurdpress, a Kurdish official in northeastern Syria announced that due to the public and critical positions of the Australian government, the return of 11 Australian women and 23 children linked to ISIS from "Camp Rouge" is facing uncertainty and a possible delay. According to him, the lack of official coordination between Canberra and the self-governing administration can hinder the exit process of these people.

Shaikhmus Ahmed, the coordinator of the camps of ISIS families in the Autonomous Administration of Northeast Syria, emphasizing the effort to return all the dependents of foreign fighters of ISIS to their respective countries, clarified in an interview with ABC that the statements of the Australian government were "clearly heard" and expressed hope that coordination will be established between the Australian government, the Autonomous Administration and the Syrian Democratic Forces. He also denied the published reports about the decision to close the Rouge camp and said that no such decision has been taken. According to him, about 730 foreign families, in addition to Syrian and Iraqi families affiliated with ISIS, are present in this camp and the services of humanitarian organizations continue; The security of the camp is provided by the Syrian Democratic Forces and Asaish.

The group tried to leave the Rouge camp last week and start the process of returning to Australia via Damascus, but was stopped at a checkpoint by Syrian government officials. A Syrian government official called this action an "administrative delay" and said that after learning about the start of the transfer process, an intervention was made to assess the situation and comply with official and security protocols. According to him, there is currently no other obstacle to continue the movement of this group.

In Australia, the government of Anthony Albanese has announced that he has no role in the mission to return these people, and the prime minister has taken a harsh stance towards the women of this group. However, Home Secretary Tony Burke has admitted there are limited tools to stop them from traveling if they leave the camp; Except for the travel ban imposed on one of the women. This duality in Australia's official position can both complicate the return process and provide grounds for these families to try again.

News ID 160288