President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that the U.S. government has reason to believe that American journalist Austin Tice, who went missing 12 years ago near the Syrian capital, is alive. Biden expressed the government's commitment to bringing Tice home following Bashar Assad's potential removal from power in Damascus.
Despite the lack of direct evidence regarding Tice's current status, Biden stated, 'We think we can get him back,' emphasizing the need for Assad to be held accountable for the situation. Tice disappeared in August 2012 at a checkpoint in a contested area west of Damascus, and efforts are ongoing to pinpoint his exact whereabouts.
Tice, a journalist from Houston, has had his work published by prominent outlets such as The Washington Post and McClatchy newspapers. A video released shortly after his disappearance showed Tice blindfolded and held by armed individuals, expressing distress.
While Syria has denied holding Tice, the U.S. government continues to operate under the assumption that he is alive. Officials are actively working to locate him and facilitate his safe return home.
During a recent news conference, Tice's mother, Debra, shared that the family had received information from a credible source confirming her son's well-being. She urged anyone in Syria who may encounter Tice to guide him back to his family upon his return.
The Tice family recently engaged with officials at the State Department and the White House to discuss efforts to bring Austin Tice back home. Debra Tice emphasized the need for care and support for her son upon his reunion with the family.
Advocacy groups have amplified Debra Tice's message on social media, appealing to the public in Syria to assist in reuniting Austin Tice with his loved ones once he is back in their midst.
