More so-called 'ISIS brides' could be arrested as AFP investigates eight cases | 9 News Australia

Australia’s counter-terrorism agencies have launched a widespread investigation into returning Islamic State affiliates as fears rise over potential extremist networks. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) have officially confirmed that they are actively investigating eight counter-terrorism cases linked to individuals who have recently been repatriated to Australia from displaced person camps in the Middle East. This critical legal development comes to light following the dramatic arrest of a Melbourne mother-of-four, Mariam Raad (referred to as Rayan El Houli in court filings). Raad was taken into custody by tactical police and charged with entering and remaining in a declared conflict zone under the control of Islamic State between 2013 and 2014, alongside memberships in a banned terrorist organisation. To discuss the systemic security risks, Channel 9’s Today show sits down with prominent political sociologist and extremism expert Dr Josh Roose from Melbourne. Dr Roose breaks down the complex mechanics behind the lengthy delays in prosecuting these individuals, explaining that gathering legally admissible, rock-solid evidence from active conflict zones like Syria can take many months or even years. The recent breakthrough in the prosecution of Mariam Raad was heavily catalysed by new testimonies and documentation provided by subsequent cohorts of returning Islamic State brides over the past few weeks. Dr Roose stresses that the ultimate national security risk does not lie in imminent public bomb plots, but rather in the potential cross-pollination of extremist milieus. He warns that returning adults who remain ideologically committed can leverage old overseas networks to facilitate radical introductions domestically. Crucially, he emphasizes the desperate need for targeted integration strategies to rehabilitate innocent children raised under hostile, indoctrinated regimes. Stay informed on critical domestic security headlines—like this video, subscribe to the channel, and click the notification bell for more real-time investigative updates. | *Subscribe and 🔔: http://9Soci.al/KM6e50GjSK9* *Get more breaking news at 9News.com.au: http://9Soci.al/iyCO50GjSK6* FOLLOW 9News Australia ► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/9News/ ► Twitter: https://twitter.com/9NewsAUS ► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/9news/ Join 9News for the latest in news and events that affect you in your local city, as well as news from across Australia and the world. #9News #BreakingNews #NineNewsAustralia #9NewsAU