A group of supporters surround a woman and child with alleged ties to the Islamic State as they arrive at Melbourne international Airport, in Melbourne, Australia (Photo/AP)Two planes carrying 19 Australian women and children linked to the Islamic State group, held in Syria, arrived in Melbourne and Sydney on Tuesday (May 26), as the Australian government warned that some returnees could face legal action.The government had earlier confirmed that seven women and 12 children were expected to arrive home aboard Qatar Airways flights, less than three weeks after a group of 13 individuals returned to the Australian cities in a similar situation.Out of the four women on earlier flights, three were charged with slavery and terrorism offences.Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said authorities would take strict action against any of the individuals who committed crimes, upon their arrival in the country.“The government has not and will not provide any assistance to this group,” Burke said in a statement.“These are people who have made the horrific choice to join a dangerous terrorist organisation and to place their children in an unspeakable situation,” he added.Burke said that Australian law enforcement and intelligence agencies have been preparing since 2014 to manage and monitor returning ISIS-linked individuals.Story continues below this ad“The priority of the government, as always, is the safety of the Australian community,” he said.‘Have nothing but contempt for anyone who has any sympathy for ISIS,’ says AlbaneseAustralian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese strongly condemned any sympathy for the Islamic State group and told Parliament, “I have nothing but contempt for anyone who has any sympathy for ISIS.”After the departure of the latest group of people, at least two Australians remain in the Roj camp in northeast Syria, near the Iraq border, where people linked to the Islamic State group have been held since 2019, after the IS forces in the Middle East were defeated.The Express Global Desk at indianexpress.com which delivers authoritative, verified, and context-driven coverage of key international developments shaping global politics, policy, and migration trends. The desk focuses on stories with direct relevance for Indian and global audiences, combining breaking news with in-depth explainers and analysis. A major focus area of the desk is US immigration and visa policy, including developments related to student visas, work permits, permanent residency pathways, executive actions, and court rulings. The Global Desk also closely tracks Canada’s immigration, visa, and study policies, covering changes to study permits, post-study work options, permanent residence programmes, and regulatory updates affecting migrants and international students. All reporting from the Global Desk adheres to The Indian Express’ editorial standards, relying on official data, government notifications, court documents, and on-record sources. The desk prioritises clarity, accuracy, and accountability, ensuring readers can navigate complex global systems with confidence. Core Team The Express Global Desk is led by a team of experienced journalists and editors with deep expertise in international affairs and migration policy: Aniruddha Dhar – Senior Assistant Editor with extensive experience in global affairs, international politics, and editorial leadership. Nischai Vats – Deputy Copy Editor specialising in US politics, US visa and immigration policy, and policy-driven international coverage. Mashkoora Khan – Sub-editor focusing on global developments, with a strong emphasis on Canada visa, immigration, and study-related policy coverage. ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© IE Online Media Services Pvt LtdTags:Australia