Syrian city taken off Aust travel ban list


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Australians can now travel to al-Raqqa in Syria without facing criminal charges but have been warned the area is still a war zone.


Foreign Minister Julie Bishop confirmed on Wednesday coalition forces, including Australian troops, have taken back al-Raqqa city from Islamic State, which she described as an important milestone in the fight against the extremist group.


“This means that Australian citizens who travel to al-Raqqa will no longer be subject to the criminal code defences that made it an offence to travel to al-Raqqa without legitimate purpose,” she told reporters in Canberra.


However, Syria and Iraq are still subject to “do not travel” warnings.







Anyone who travelled to the city between December 5, 2014 – when it was placed on the banned list – and Tuesday still faces prosecution.


There are arrest warrants out for five people who travelled to areas in Syria and Iraq in breach of anti-terrorism laws.


The northern Iraq city of Mosul is still on the travel ban list.


“Any Australian who travels to Mosul should know that they will be detected and they will be prosecuted, as five Australians are currently subject to prosecution,” Attorney-General George Brandis said.


The government could continue to take a “belt and braces approach” to national security and the most important effects of making it an offence to travel to these areas had been the deterrent it posed.



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