Canberra is set to rescue dozens of Australian women and children of Islamic State fighters from refugee camps in Syria, following a secret mission by the country's security intelligence agency, media reported on Monday.
The government did not immediately confirm reports that 16 women and 42 children of dead or jailed Islamic State fighters who have been held in camps for three and a half years would be repatriated.
"The Australian Government's overriding priority is the protection of Australians and Australia's national interests, informed by national security advice," a spokesperson for Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil said in emailed comments.
