Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed his intention to inquire about the whereabouts of American journalist Austin Tice, who has been missing in Syria since 2012. During his end-of-year press conference, Putin responded to a question from an NBC correspondent regarding Tice's disappearance. Putin mentioned that he plans to speak with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who has sought refuge in Russia, to seek information about Tice.
Putin acknowledged the challenging circumstances in Syria 12 years ago when Tice went missing, citing the active military actions on both sides. He emphasized the importance of addressing the issue and promised to raise the question with individuals controlling the situation in Syria today.
The missing journalist's mother recently sent a heartfelt letter to Putin, appealing for his assistance in locating her son. She highlighted Putin's connections with the Syrian government and requested his help in reuniting their family with Austin.
Tice's case has garnered renewed attention following the collapse of Assad's regime, providing an opportunity to gather fresh intelligence on the American journalist. Russia's support for Assad and its military intervention in Syria have further complicated the search for Tice.
The US State Department has intensified efforts to track down Tice, with the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs currently in Amman, Jordan. While the possibility of deploying personnel to Damascus remains uncertain, US officials are actively pursuing leads and engaging with various groups on the ground in Syria.
Putin's remarks on Tice come amidst ongoing efforts by the US government to locate the missing journalist and reunite him with his family. The collaborative approach involving diplomatic channels and regional connections underscores the importance of international cooperation in resolving hostage situations.
