American Organization Discusses the Fate of Journalist Tice Missing in Syria for 12 Years
The American organization “Hostage Aid Worldwide” has confirmed that they believe Austin Tice, the journalist who disappeared in Syria in 2012, is still alive, despite the lack of precise information about his location or tangible evidence to support this belief.
Evidence of Life
Nizar Zakka, one official from the organization, stated in comments carried by AFP, “We have data confirming that Austin was alive until January 2024.”
Moreover, the U.S. President confirmed last August that Tice is still alive, and they remain confident of this fact to this day.
Abduction in 2012
Austin Tice, the freelance journalist and former U.S. Marine Corps infantry officer, was kidnapped in 2012 while covering events in Damascus against the regime of the former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. At that time, he was 31 years old, and no entity has claimed responsibility for his abduction.
U.S. State Department Statements
Last August, marking the 12th anniversary of his disappearance, the U.S. State Department stated that it has information indicating that the Syrian government detained Austin. The department said in a statement, “We have repeatedly offered to negotiate to find a way to ensure his return to his homeland.”
Continued Ambiguity
Despite Washington’s affirmations, the Syrian government has not acknowledged detaining Tice or provided any proof of his survival. However, recent field developments in Syria, particularly with the advance of opposition factions and the opening of prisons in cities like Aleppo and Hama, have brought renewed attention to the case of the American journalist.
Stalled Diplomatic Efforts
Despite the severed diplomatic relations between Washington and Damascus at the time, U.S. efforts to communicate with Syrian officials on the matter have persisted. Recently, Roger Carstens, the U.S. State Department’s highest-ranking hostage affairs official, visited Damascus to engage with the new authorities in search of Tice.
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