Iraqi city declared a no-go zone for Australians

CANBERRA: The Iraqi city of Mosul, which is held by Islamic State (IS) fighters, yesterday became the second terrorist hotspot to be declared off-limits to Australians under new counter-terrorism laws aimed at deterring foreign fighters.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said the Mosul district in northern Iraq had been declared a designated area under a section of the Criminal Code created in October last year.

That means it is an offence under Australian law, punishable by 10 years in prison, to enter the district or to remain in it without a legitimate purpose.

The Syrian IS stronghold of al- Raqqa became the first designated area under the law in December.

“Our declaration of Mosul as a terrorist no-go zone is another significant step in combating Daesh, to starve it of foreign fighters,” Bishop said, using another name for IS.

IS followers have carried out mass atrocities in Mosul district, including public beheadings and destruction of numerous historical and religious sites, she said. “Examples of these hideous crimes include the execution of 13 teenage boys in January for simply watch- ing a soccer match.”

Australia is among the leaders of international efforts to stem the flow of foreign fighters to the Middle East.

The government said last month that at least 90 Australians were fighting with and supporting terrorist groups in Iraq and Syria. More than 20 Australians have already been killed.

More than 30 foreign fighters have returned to Australia and at least 140 people in Australia were actively supporting extremist groups. More than 90 Australian suspected extremists have had their passports cancelled to prevent them joining the fight in Iraq and Syria. – Sapa-AP