Australia's Foreign Minister Julie Bishop walks with her Iraqi counterpart Ibrahim al-Jaafari (not in picture) in Baghdad October 18, 2014. Bishop arrived in Baghdad for talks with Iraqi officials on Australia's role in the fight against Islamic State.
IN PHOTO: Australia's Foreign Minister Julie Bishop walks with her Iraqi counterpart Ibrahim al-Jaafari (not in picture) in Baghdad October 18, 2014. REUTERS/Ahmed Saad

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop made it prohibited for Australian citizens to travel to Mosul. She made the announcement about banning its citizens from travelling to the Iraqi city that had been captured by Islamic State in 2014.

In a statement, she said, the Australian government will consider it a criminal offence if an Australian travels to Mosul. The capital of Nineveh province, Mosul has been declared to fall under section 119.3 of the Criminal Code. Bishop said that it would be “an offence under Australian law to enter, or remain in, Mosul district without a legitimate purpose.”

Australia’s decision comes after the report that the U.S. military is reflecting upon conducting airstrikes in Mosul against IS fighters. It is also planning to take Iraqi ground forces to recapture the city. The U.S. officials said on Friday that there could be a month-long operation to cut off supply lines in and around Mosul. According to reports, the operation to “liberate” Mosul is going to take place either in April or in May this year.

The Australian government, on the other hand, earlier imposed similar ban in December on the Syrian province Al-Raqqa. IS forces reportedly killed 13 teenage boys in Mosul for watching a football match in January. According to the Australian Criminal Code, violating the ban could mean a maximum of 10 years imprisonment. Entering or remaining in the declared region will be, however, excused if the accused manages to demonstrate a legitimate reason to be there.

Bishop referred to the atrocities carried out by Daesh, which IS forces are better known as in Iraq. She said that the announcement would convey a strong message to the Australian citizens who might be considering travelling to Iraq to join militant forces. “Daesh has carried out mass atrocities in Mosul district, including public beheadings, killings and executions,” Bishop said, “It has destroyed numerous historical and religious sites.”

According to Bishop, Australia is determined to prevent its citizens from joining militant forces in the Middle East. She said that the Abbott government was committed to working with community leaders to combat radicalisation of vulnerable young men and women in the country. She added that the government would also counter the hateful propaganda spread by IS activists.

Contact the writer: s.mukhopadhyay@IBTimes.com.au

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