Austin Tice, an American journalist missing for over 12 years in Syria, is alive and well-treated, his family reveals.
Here’s what happened.
At a Glance
- Austin Tice’s family informed by vetted source that he’s alive and well-treated
- Tice, a Marine Corps veteran, was kidnapped in Syria in 2012 while reporting
- U.S. government operates under assumption Tice is alive
- Biden administration has repatriated 75 unjustly detained Americans
- Family urges leveraging current Syrian rebel offensive for Tice’s release
Breaking News: Austin Tice Alive After 12 Years
In a startling development, the family of Austin Tice, an American journalist who vanished in Syria over 12 years ago, has announced they believe he is still alive. This revelation comes from a credible source vetted by the U.S. government, reigniting hope for Tice’s safe return and spotlighting the ongoing risks faced by journalists in conflict zones.
Tice, a Marine Corps veteran turned journalist, was reporting on the Syrian civil war when he disappeared on August 14, 2012. His case has since become a symbol of the dangers journalists face in hostile regions and the complexities of securing their release.
The family of missing journalist Austin Tice says he’s alive https://t.co/3KArRCPTYM
— The Hill (@thehill) December 7, 2024
Family’s Unwavering Hope
Debra Tice, Austin’s mother, has been vocal about her son’s situation. In a powerful statement, she declared, “We have from a significant source that has already been vetted all over our government that Austin Tice is alive, Austin Tice is treated well, and there is no doubt about that.” This assertion breathes new life into efforts to secure Tice’s freedom.
“We have from a significant source that has already been vetted all over our government that Austin Tice is alive, Austin Tice is treated well, and there is no doubt about that,” Debra Tice said.
He’s on his way home, but significant challenges remain. The Syrian government, believed to have the power to secure Tice’s release, has not publicly acknowledged involvement in his disappearance. This diplomatic impasse highlights the complexities of negotiating with hostile regimes and the need for innovative strategies to break through.
The Tice family is now urging the U.S. government to leverage the current Syrian rebel offensive as an opportunity to secure Austin’s release. They’ve called for President Biden to engage directly with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, emphasizing the need for high-level diplomatic intervention.
The FBI continues to offer a $1 million reward for information leading to Tice’s safe recovery, demonstrating the ongoing commitment to resolving his case. This substantial reward underscores the value placed on press freedom and the safety of American citizens abroad.
