Australian authorities have confirmed that several women and children linked to Islamic State fighters have departed from the Al Roj camp in north-eastern Syria, with conflicting reports about the exact number of individuals involved. Despite media reports indicating that 11 families, totaling 24 individuals, left the camp, sources suggest that as many as 34 people may actually be part of this group, indicating a complex and potentially chaotic situation surrounding their exit from Syria.

The families are reportedly heading towards Syria's capital, Damascus, with the intention of making plans for their repatriation to Australia. There are indications that Australian passports have already been issued to these individuals, although this detail has yet to be formally confirmed by the Australian government, which maintains that it has not played an active role in facilitating their departure from the camp or any subsequent travel back to Australia.

The Australian government's statement underlines its stance on the matter, asserting that it will not repatriate individuals from Syria and continues to monitor the situation through its security agencies. This development raises serious questions about the safety and security of returning these individuals and the broader implications for Australian domestic policy regarding citizens involved with or near militant groups abroad.