Tareq Kamleh, a former Perth paediatrician who joined the Islamic State (IS) and became known as 'Dr Jihad,' is allegedly still alive and being held in an Iraqi jail nearly a decade after his death was declared.

The Australian government is aware of his interrogation by Iraq's counter-terrorism judiciary, with reports indicating he survived the 2017 Raqqa siege and was arrested in 2019.Kamleh, who left Australia in 2015, provided medical care to IS fighters before being captured by US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces.His case highlights ongoing legal battles over foreign fighter repatriation and allegations of supporting extremist propaganda.

The National Centre for International Judicial Cooperation confirmed his ties to IS extended beyond medical work, with investigations into his role in promoting terrorist activities.

Australian authorities hold an arrest warrant for him over terrorism charges, while Iraq's judicial system continues to process his case as part of broader efforts to address foreign fighters.