President Joe Biden has announced that the United States government holds the belief that American journalist Austin Tice, who vanished in Syria in 2012, is still alive. His disappearance near Damascus has prompted a continuous commitment from Washington to facilitate his return, especially following the ousting of Bashar Assad’s regime.
The belief in Tice’s survival comes despite the lack of direct evidence confirming his status. President Biden addressed the press at the White House, expressing a resolve to bring the journalist back to his family, although the exact location of Tice remains unidentified since his disappearance in August 2012. The president further remarked on the necessity of holding Assad accountable for the situation.
Austin Tice, originating from Houston, and a journalist whose work was featured in major outlets like The Washington Post and McClatchy newspapers, was last seen over a decade ago. A video released shortly after his disappearance depicted Tice blindfolded and under duress, uttering “Oh, Jesus,” marking the last time he was seen or heard from. The Syrian government has consistently denied detaining him.
Despite the absence of new evidence, U.S. officials continue to operate on the presumption that Tice is alive. This perspective was reinforced by Debra Tice, Austin’s mother, during a recent conference in Washington. She mentioned receiving information from an undisclosed but credible source about her son’s wellbeing. Her plea for awareness in Syria was shared widely on social media, amplifying the call for Tice’s safe return.
In further efforts, the Tice family has engaged with officials at the State Department and the White House. Debra Tice’s recent remarks highlighted a belief in Tice’s survival, emphasizing he is “being cared for and he is well.” The family’s unyielding determination is evident as they continue to advocate for his release amidst complex geopolitical dynamics.
The ongoing efforts to locate and repatriate Austin Tice underscore the commitment of the U.S. government and his family to resolve this prolonged situation. As diplomatic channels and family appeals persist, the hope for Austin’s return remains a poignant issue within the international narrative.
Source: Apnews
