WASHINGTON — Friends and family of Austin Tice face a grim milestone this month: It’s been 10 years since the Houston native and freelance journalist was reported abducted in Syria, an anniversary that coincided with his 41st birthday.
His parents, Debra and Marc Tice, and U.S. government officials remain convinced that Tice is not only alive, but being detained by the Syrian government, something President Joe Biden declared publicly for the first time on Aug. 10.
“We know with certainty that he has been held by the Government of Syria,” Biden said in a statement to commemorate the 10-year anniversary or Tice’s captivity. “We have repeatedly asked the government of Syria to work with us so that we can bring Austin home ... Ten years is far, far too long. So is every additional day.”
