Debra Tice Renews Search for Missing Son Austin Tice in Syria
Mother of Missing US Journalist Returns to Syria Following Recent Political Changes to Renew Efforts in Locating Her Son
Debra Tice, the mother of missing US journalist Austin Tice, has returned to Syria for the first time in ten years to renew her search efforts for her son.
Austin Tice, who was abducted in 2012 while reporting on the Syrian civil war, is considered one of the longest-held American hostages.
Debra Tice's visit is prompted by recent significant geopolitical changes in Syria, marked by the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime following a rapid rebel offensive led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) last month.
Austin Tice, a former US Marine and freelance journalist, was captured in the Damascus suburb of Darayya.
He was last seen in a video posted weeks after his disappearance, where he appeared to be in distress and blindfolded.
No group or government has officially claimed responsibility for his abduction.
Throughout the years, US officials have suggested that the Assad government might have had custody of Tice.
Following the overthrow of the Assad regime, President Joe Biden announced that the US maintains the belief that Austin Tice is alive, though his exact location remains unknown.
Recent developments have led to the opening of Syrian prisons and access to documents, potentially offering new insights into Tice's fate and that of other missing individuals.
During her current visit, Debra Tice met with Syria's de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, who has committed to hold those accountable for serious crimes under Assad's regime.
Debra Tice expressed a persistent belief in her son's eventual release and highlighted the openness and changed atmosphere in Syria since her last visit in 2015, when she faced restrictions on her visa by Syrian authorities.
She emphasizes a sense of camaraderie with other families of the missing, sharing the hope of a future reunion with Austin.
Austin Tice, who was abducted in 2012 while reporting on the Syrian civil war, is considered one of the longest-held American hostages.
Debra Tice's visit is prompted by recent significant geopolitical changes in Syria, marked by the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime following a rapid rebel offensive led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) last month.
Austin Tice, a former US Marine and freelance journalist, was captured in the Damascus suburb of Darayya.
He was last seen in a video posted weeks after his disappearance, where he appeared to be in distress and blindfolded.
No group or government has officially claimed responsibility for his abduction.
Throughout the years, US officials have suggested that the Assad government might have had custody of Tice.
Following the overthrow of the Assad regime, President Joe Biden announced that the US maintains the belief that Austin Tice is alive, though his exact location remains unknown.
Recent developments have led to the opening of Syrian prisons and access to documents, potentially offering new insights into Tice's fate and that of other missing individuals.
During her current visit, Debra Tice met with Syria's de facto leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, who has committed to hold those accountable for serious crimes under Assad's regime.
Debra Tice expressed a persistent belief in her son's eventual release and highlighted the openness and changed atmosphere in Syria since her last visit in 2015, when she faced restrictions on her visa by Syrian authorities.
She emphasizes a sense of camaraderie with other families of the missing, sharing the hope of a future reunion with Austin.
