A group of six Australian women and their children, who had traveled to Syria as partners of Islamic State members, have successfully returned to Australia after years of being stranded abroad. The women and children managed to escape Syria and reached Beirut, where they were detained by Lebanese authorities due to a lack of valid visas and entry records.

The Australian government was reportedly aware of their situation. After being processed by Lebanese agencies, the group underwent security and DNA checks conducted by Australian authorities. Following this, they were issued Australian passports.

The women and children have been under surveillance by Australian officials for some time. It was anticipated that some individuals from this group might attempt to return independently.

Last month, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the situation, denying claims that the government was organizing the rescue of approximately 40 Australians still in Syria. The return of this group marks a significant development in the ongoing issue of Australians who traveled to conflict zones in the Middle East.