Australian Federal Police arrested two women at Melbourne airport on Thursday evening upon their return from Syria, charging them with slavery and crimes against humanity linked to their support of the Islamic State group. The 53-year-old faces multiple charges including possessing, using, and trading a slave, while a 31-year-old faces two slavery charges, all alleged to have occurred in Syria.

The women, both Australian citizens, arrived with their children after years in the Roj detention camp in northern Syria. They were part of a group of four women and nine children repatriated to Australia, marking one of several such returns since 2019. A 32-year-old woman was separately arrested in Sydney and will be charged with entering a declared terrorist area and joining a proscribed organization.

Authorities confirmed the fourth woman in the group was not arrested. Police maintained a heavy presence at both Melbourne and Sydney airports ahead of the arrivals. Federal Police counter-terrorism chief Stephen Nutt stated community safety was the top priority but declined further comment due to ongoing legal proceedings.

Australia criminalized travel to Islamic State-held areas of Syria between 2014 and 2017. The returning women, some labeled 'ISIS brides,' made a 'horrific choice,' according to Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke. Human rights groups had previously urged the government to repatriate citizens from Syrian camps, citing humanitarian concerns.

The two women in Melbourne will be taken into custody and formally charged before appearing in court. The Sydney suspect will face court proceedings after being charged. The court process is expected to resume in the coming days.