In the wake of the Syrian government’s unexpected collapse, the US government is accelerating its efforts to locate missing journalist Austin Tice.
As Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime surprisingly fell over the weekend, it has opened a critical window for the US to gather new intelligence about Austin Tice, who disappeared in Syria over a decade ago. According to current and former US officials, there’s a concerted push to locate Tice, leaving no possibility unexplored. The FBI has renewed its offer of up to $1 million for information leading to his safe return, while the US State Department is offering up to $10 million for relevant tips.
Top US hostage negotiator Roger Carstens has traveled to Beirut, Lebanon, to liaise with key stakeholders. Communication with Syria’s prominent rebel group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), emphasizes the priority of Tice’s return, as stated by State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller. The US believes Tice was held by Assad’s regime, though this was never officially acknowledged by the Syrian leader. Nevertheless, the US operates under the assumption that Tice is alive due to the absence of contradictory information, as noted by White House national security spokesperson John Kirby.
Recently, Tice’s mother reported receiving new information that her son is ‘being cared for, and he is well.’ The government is examining all known and newly discovered prisons since the regime’s fall, to gather possible information. Efforts are in place to verify which facilities have been searched and to identify unexplored ones. They are also seeking resources and technologies that might aid the search for Tice.
A former senior US official described the situation as a rare chance to gain new insights about Tice, detained near Damascus in August 2012. It’s believed that intelligence agencies are likely attempting to re-establish on-ground operations, as opposed to distant surveillance, to collect and analyze relevant documents or evidence before they are lost or destroyed. The process involves speaking with individuals potentially involved in Tice’s detention, including Syrian intelligence personnel, requiring negotiation with current Syrian authorities.
The US is also considering establishing direct dialogue with HTS leader Abu Mohammad al-Jolani, who runs a US-designated terrorist group. State Department spokesperson Miller mentioned there is no legal barrier to such communication under US law, but would not confirm any direct interactions.
Despite extensive efforts, no new information about Tice has emerged so far. However, the Tice family remains hopeful, inspired by the fast-evolving situation in Syria. Austin’s mother, Debra Tice, expressed belief in a positive outcome, and his father, Marc Tice, recognized the current chaos as a potential opportunity for their son’s return.
The ongoing situation in Syria represents a significant opportunity for US authorities to acquire new information about Austin Tice. The concerted efforts are a testament to the hope and determination to bring Austin back safely to his family. As events unfold, the possibility of a resolution remains in sight, driven by strategic actions and unwavering commitment.
Source: Cnn
