Charges flagged as women and children from IS-linked families set to fly from Syria to Australia

AI Summary

The Australian government is preparing for the return of women and children linked to Islamic State fighters from Syria. Authorities anticipate potential criminal charges for the group upon their arrival as part of a hardline stance on counter-terrorism.

Home affairs minister Tony Burke says government continues to refuse to help the group of 13 Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Some of the Australian women linked to Islamic State fighters may face arrest and possible criminal charges on their return from Syria this week, with the government and federal police promising a hardline response when the group touches down. The home affairs minister, Tony Burke, confirmed that the government was aware that four Australian women and nine of their children had begun the journey home, after more than a decade of planning by a joint Asio and Australian federal police counter-terrorism taskforce. Continue reading...