A concerted effort has been renewed in Beirut by the United States’ leading hostage negotiator to gather information regarding Austin Tice, an American journalist who vanished in Syria over a decade ago.
Roger Carstens, serving as the special presidential envoy for hostage affairs, is actively engaging with regional officials following the recent governmental changes in Syria. The goal is to locate Austin Tice and expedite his return. This initiative was confirmed by State Department spokesman Matthew Miller on Monday, who emphasized the administration’s commitment to this mission.
Lebanon has been playing a mediating role in discussions concerning Tice for several years. The effort gained further momentum as U.S. President Joe Biden recently expressed the administration’s belief in Tice’s survival, despite the absence of direct evidence confirming his status. This statement underscores the persistent hope and determination to bring him back.
Austin Tice, a journalist whose work featured in publications like The Washington Post and McClatchy newspapers, disappeared at a checkpoint near Damascus as the Syrian civil war was intensifying. A video that surfaced weeks after his disappearance showed him blindfolded and held by armed individuals, uttering the words, “Oh, Jesus.” Since that time, there has been no communication from him, and the Syrian government has denied any involvement in holding him.
The continuation of efforts to locate Austin Tice highlights a persistent determination from the U.S. government and underscores the challenges in securing the safety of journalists in conflict zones. The situation remains complex, with no definitive information about Tice’s whereabouts, yet the commitment to uncovering the truth and facilitating his return persists.
Source: News4jax
