A group of 13 women and children, with alleged links to former Islamic State (IS) fighters in Syria, has returned to Australia, sparking a major investigation. According to reports, the group is believed to have been residing in a refugee camp in Syria, and their return has raised concerns among Australian authorities.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) have confirmed that some individuals within the group could be arrested, although the exact number is not specified. The AFP is working closely with other agencies to determine the extent of their connections to IS.
Australia's Immigration Minister, Andrew Giles, has stated that the individuals will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, with those deemed to pose a security risk being detained and potentially charged. The investigation is ongoing, and it is unclear at this time how long it will take to complete.
Meanwhile, the incident has raised questions about the repatriation of foreign fighters and their families from conflict zones. The issue is complex, with many countries struggling to balance the need to reintegrate former fighters with the risk they pose to national security.
The Met Office has issued a separate warning for a severe storm to hit Australia in the coming days, with strong winds and heavy rainfall expected. While this is unrelated to the IS-linked group, it serves as a reminder of the importance of staying informed about local weather conditions.