Australian Federal Police escort ISIS-linked women off flights as Sydney airport operation unfolds after Syria return in Mascot police station case

A tightly watched operation unfolded across two Australian airports on Thursday night as flights carrying women and children linked to former ISIS fighters arrived from Syria.

The group, long held in displacement conditions at Al Roj camp, was quietly repatriated under heavy security and immediate police oversight.

One aircraft landed in Melbourne around 5:30pm, while another touched down in Sydney roughly 15 minutes later.

Within minutes, federal police moved in.

Sudden police action at Sydney airport

The Sydney arrival quickly became tense when officers boarded the aircraft after landing.

Among those on board was Janai Safar, who had been travelling with her son as part of the returning group.

Passengers described the moment as abrupt but controlled.

Five to six Australian Federal Police officers entered the cabin and approached the group directly, quietly escorting them off the plane without any public announcement from the crew.

Shortly afterward, Safar was seen outside Mascot Police Station near Sydney Airport, where processing reportedly began.

Melbourne arrival met with heavy security presence

The Melbourne flight saw a similarly coordinated response.

Federal police, security personnel, and escorts were already positioned at the airport before landing, preparing for the group’s arrival.

Some passengers reported a noticeable security atmosphere, including individuals dressed in black with body-worn cameras waiting in restricted areas.

Despite the presence of supporters and family members, none of the returnees were immediately allowed to pass through customs.

As of later that evening, those who landed in Melbourne had still not cleared into the public arrivals area.

Who arrived from Syria and how they returned

The returning cohort includes four Australian women and nine children.

Among them are Kawsar Abbas, 54, her daughters Zahra Ahmad, 33, and Zeinab Ahmed, 31, along with Janai Safar.

They had all departed Al Roj camp in north-eastern Syria roughly two weeks earlier.

Their return was coordinated through transit via Doha before arriving in Australia on commercial flights.

Authorities confirmed all individuals involved are Australian citizens holding valid passports.

Suggested Readings (News continues below)

Dele Odule reveals shocking coffin pricing moment in Lagos as veteran actor exposes despair inside Yoruba film industry struggles

Tornado watch forces residents across Louisiana Mississippi and Texas to take urgent shelter as National Weather Service issues severe storm alerts

Trump threatens Iran with renewed bombing as Tehran reviews US peace proposal amid Strait of Hormuz crisis in Middle East conflict zone

France records widening trade deficit in Paris as rising oil prices push imports higher during Middle East energy crisis

Serious allegations and possible prosecutions

Australian authorities have warned that some members of the group could face prosecution immediately upon arrival.

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett said investigators have been reviewing evidence collected since 2015, including allegations linked to serious international crimes.

These include claims involving slavery-related offences and other potential breaches of Commonwealth law.

Officials have not confirmed full charges yet, but stated that arrests are possible and investigations will continue for others.

Families, supporters, and confusion at airports

As the flights arrived, supporters and relatives gathered at both airports.

Some had travelled specifically to meet the returning women and children, but uncertainty quickly grew as news spread that arrests could take place.

In Melbourne, groups of escorts and supporters waited anxiously, unsure who would be released and who would be detained.

Witnesses said there was confusion and little official communication, with many waiting for hours without clarity on what would happen next.

What passengers saw onboard

Several passengers who shared the flights described an unusual but calm atmosphere.

One traveller seated near the group said there was minimal interaction and little indication of tension during the journey.

Another passenger on the Sydney flight said the group appeared ordinary in conversation, describing brief exchanges before police boarded and escorted them away.

Crew members did not make announcements explaining the situation, adding to the uncertainty among other passengers.

Life before return: years in displacement camps

Before their repatriation, the group had been living in Al Roj camp in Syria, one of several facilities housing families linked to ISIS fighters.

Conditions in such camps have been widely reported as difficult, with limited access to healthcare, education, and stable infrastructure.

Thousands of women and children in similar situations remain in camps across north-eastern Syria.

Reports suggest that around 21 Australians still remain in the region.

Allegations involving past conduct

Authorities have indicated that some individuals may be linked to historical allegations made by members of the Yazidi community in Syria.

These claims, if prosecuted, could mark one of the first times Australian citizens face domestic legal action tied to alleged crimes committed abroad in conflict zones.

Impact and Consequences

The immediate impact is legal and political uncertainty.

The Australian justice system is now tasked with assessing complex allegations involving actions that may have occurred years ago in a foreign conflict zone.

Australian Federal Police will play a central role in determining whether charges proceed, while courts may be asked to interpret evidence collected across international jurisdictions.

There is also a broader social impact, as the case has sparked debate in Australia about repatriation policies, national security, and rehabilitation versus prosecution.

For communities connected to victims of ISIS-related crimes, the return has reopened painful historical wounds.

What’s next?

In the coming days, authorities are expected to decide who will be formally charged and who will remain under investigation.

Those arrested may face court proceedings that could become precedent-setting cases in Australia’s handling of alleged overseas terrorism-linked crimes.

Additional questioning, background verification, and forensic review of evidence gathered since 2015 are likely to continue for months.

Summary

A coordinated return of Australian citizens from Syria has placed law enforcement and the justice system under intense scrutiny.

While some individuals may face immediate prosecution, others remain under investigation as authorities assess complex allegations tied to past conflict-zone activity.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Four Australian women and nine children returned from Syria via Melbourne and Sydney
• Australian Federal Police carried out immediate airport interventions
• Janai Safar was escorted to Mascot Police Station after landing in Sydney
• Some returnees may face charges related to serious alleged offences dating back to 2015
• Families and supporters gathered at airports amid confusion and uncertainty
• Around 21 Australians are still believed to remain in Syrian camps
• Legal proceedings, if filed, could become landmark cases in Australia
• Authorities are still determining who will be arrested and who will remain under investigation