Iraq Urges Australia to Repatriate Suspected Islamic State Fighters
Iraq has called on Australia to repatriate a group of suspected Islamic State (IS) fighters recently transferred from Syria, raising the issue with Canberra’s ambassador to Baghdad. The request comes amid ongoing regional instability, particularly due to the conflict in Iran.
Diplomatic Discussions and Transfer of Detainees
Iraq’s National Security Advisor, Qasim al-Araji, met with Australian Ambassador Glenn Miles last week to discuss the repatriation of the detainees. Al-Araji emphasized the importance of international cooperation in addressing the issue of foreign fighters and their families. A post on X by Al-Araji detailed the conversation, highlighting the need for intensified efforts to halt the war and prevent its expansion to safeguard regional security Qasim al-Araji.
The call for repatriation follows a US-backed military mission that transferred over 5,700 suspected IS members from Syria to Iraq. Approximately 13 Australian men are among those transferred, including at least one who was a child when initially taken to IS territory.
Australia’s Position and Previous Repatriations
The Australian government has, until now, resisted widespread repatriation efforts. However, it has previously returned some alleged fighters from Syria on a case-by-case basis, where they subsequently faced legal proceedings and imprisonment.
A spokesperson for the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade stated that “Australia is not repatriating or assisting ISIS-linked individuals in Iraq and Syria.”
Iraq’s Stance on Foreign Fighters
Iraq’s National Center for International Judicial Cooperation confirmed it had taken custody of 5,704 alleged former fighters from 61 countries, including Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and the US. The Iraqi government has expressed its desire for foreign nationals to be returned to their home countries following investigations.
Justice Minister Khalid Shwani stated that Iraq intends to prosecute any foreign fighters accused of crimes against Iraqis. He indicated that individuals would be repatriated “once investigations are completed, provided they are not among those who fought Iraq, killed Iraqis, or participated in terrorist activities inside Iraq.” Qasim al-Araji
Iraq has a strict approach to terrorism offenses, with a high number of executions carried out annually, primarily for terrorism-related crimes. In 2024, Iraq was the fourth-highest executioner globally, with 63 documented executions.
Legal Challenges and Family Concerns
The transferred Australians could potentially face terrorism or foreign incursion charges in Australia, which may deter their return. The group includes husbands and fathers of the 34 Australian women and children currently stranded in Syria.
Lawyers representing some of the prisoners have reported a lack of communication from both the Australian and Iraqi governments since the transfer from Syria. Families of the detainees have also expressed frustration at the lack of information.