Years of scaled-back US presence and shifting political dynamics inside Syria led to a shot at returning home last week for a group of Australians held in Syrian camps, before their window closed again.
After seven years of harsh conditions in the camp and an uncertain future, they found an opportunity to leave amid a shifting political climate in Syria.
Reportedly, they followed a decision by officials at al-Roj camp to allow detainees with valid travel documents to leave — a significant shift in how camps are managed.
Previously, the camps had been run by Kurdish forces, with support from the US. But, as the US announced it would pull back support for the Kurds earlier this year, power is transitioning to Syrian government forces.