ISIS backers in Al Hol camp beg Australia for protection

Two former partners of ISIS fighters sent audio messages to the Australian government asking for help as the Syrian army advances on Al Hol camp in northern Syria.

In one message, a mother of two young children says: “Until now Australia hasn’t done anything for us.

“We understand the world has hate, but we’re asking just as regretful humans: don’t let us fall into the hands of the regime, please.”

The woman is among 66 Australians, including 46 children, living in the camp for the children and former partners of ISIS fighters.

Syrian government soldiers and a pro-Damascus militia arrived in the region yesterday as part of a deal with Kurdish leaders to deter the Turkish invasion.

For the occupants of Al Hol camp it is a frightening development, because the Syrian regime forces are known to execute ISIS prisoners.

Australia’s government indicated that it will not relocate the women and children.

Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton said that some of the women in the camp are as hardcore as their male counterparts.

Mr Dutton’s comments came shortly after Defence Minister Linda Reynolds said the government would not risk the lives of Australian personnel in a rescue mission.

International relations expert Mark Beeson from the University of Western Australia told The National that the authorities should do “what they can” to get Australian civilians out of the area.

Prof Beeson said that “the kids aren’t to blame for having dopey parents”.