Australian families in convoy from Syrian camp warned they would be attacked unless they turned around

The Guardian World

by William Christou and Baderkhan Ahmad in al-Roj, and Ben Doherty in Sydney

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Syrian government forces issued a direct threat to a convoy of Australian women and children linked to Islamic State fighters, warning they would face an attack unless they turned back from their journey towards Damascus. The group, consisting of 34 individuals, including women and children, had left the al-Roj detention camp in northeast Syria on February 16 under Kurdish military escort, aiming to reach Damascus before traveling to Australia. However, as they approached a checkpoint controlled by Syrian government forces, they were contacted by officials from Damascus, who informed them of the impending strike if they continued. The incident occurred after the convoy traveled about 50 kilometers from al-Roj camp, which is located near the Iraqi border and under de-facto Kurdish control. The region is a complex geopolitical landscape, with Kurdish forces controlling much of northeast Syria, including areas close to the Iraqi border. To reach Damascus, the convoy needed to pass through territory controlled by Syrian government forces, which apparently had not been coordinated with. The threat reflects the high tensions between various factions in the region and highlights the challenges of navigating such a volatile area. The Australian government's failure to coordinate with Syrian authorities has drawn criticism, as it left the Kurdish forces in a precarious position. The situation underscores the dangers faced by innocent children and women caught up in conflicts, as well as the complexities of international repatriation efforts. This story is significant for readers interested in global affairs, as it highlights the risks involved in moving through conflict zones and the importance of diplomatic coordination between nations. It also sheds light on the ongoing Syrian conflict and its far-reaching implications for international security and humanitarian efforts. The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by those attempting to repatriate from war-torn regions and the need for careful planning and cooperation between governments.

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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/23/2026