A worrying number of
Australian women are heading to Iraq and Syria to become so-called
Islamic State group "jihadi brides", Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said
Thursday, warning against notions of a "romantic adventure".
At least 110 Australians have left to fight alongside militants in the Middle East and security officials said between 30 and 40 women were among them or were actively supporting the group in Australia.
"Sadly we are seeing a younger cohort seeking to join the conflict in Syria and Iraq and an increasing number of young females," Bishop said, responding to the high-profile case this week of three British teenage girls heading to Syria.
"This defies logic. Family and friends need to reach out to young people at risk before it's too late."
She cited the case of 22-year-old Amira Karroum who left her Sydney home just before Christmas and died in fighting in Syria. "Her death was not martyrdom, it was a tragic senseless loss," said Bishop.
Read more: Flash - Australia warns women IS no 'romantic adventure' - France 24
At least 110 Australians have left to fight alongside militants in the Middle East and security officials said between 30 and 40 women were among them or were actively supporting the group in Australia.
"Sadly we are seeing a younger cohort seeking to join the conflict in Syria and Iraq and an increasing number of young females," Bishop said, responding to the high-profile case this week of three British teenage girls heading to Syria.
"This defies logic. Family and friends need to reach out to young people at risk before it's too late."
She cited the case of 22-year-old Amira Karroum who left her Sydney home just before Christmas and died in fighting in Syria. "Her death was not martyrdom, it was a tragic senseless loss," said Bishop.
Read more: Flash - Australia warns women IS no 'romantic adventure' - France 24
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