In a recent statement, President Joe Biden shared that the U.S. government holds the belief that Austin Tice, a journalist who went missing near Damascus twelve years ago, is still alive. Biden expressed the government’s commitment to facilitating his return, which is contingent on the removal of Bashar Assad from power.
During an informal discussion with reporters at the White House, Biden affirmed, “We think we can get him back,” while also recognizing the absence of direct evidence regarding Tice’s current condition. He mentioned, “Assad should be held accountable” for the situation. It remains crucial for officials to pin down Tice’s exact whereabouts since he vanished in August 2012 at a checkpoint in a conflict-ridden area near the Syrian capital.
Originally from Houston, Austin Tice has contributed articles to The Washington Post, McClatchy papers, and various other media outlets throughout his career. Shortly after his disappearance, a troubling video surfaced where he was seen blindfolded, with armed individuals around him, and he uttered the phrase, “Oh, Jesus.” Since that time, there have been no further communications regarding his condition, despite Syria’s public denial of holding him.
As of now, U.S. officials state that there is no new information confirming Tice’s safety, yet the assumption remains that he is alive. A U.S. official, who chose to remain unnamed due to the confidential nature of the matter, reported that efforts are ongoing to identify his location and facilitate his return home.
In a recent press conference, Debra Tice, Austin’s mother, shared that the family has received insights from an undisclosed “significant source” suggesting that her son is indeed alive. “He is being cared for and he is well — we do know that,” she reassured those present.
This week, the Tice family met with officials from both the State Department and the White House to discuss their ongoing concerns. Debra Tice further urged those in Syria to remember that the family is eagerly awaiting Austin’s return, emphasizing the care he will need upon his eventual release. “To everyone in Syria that hears this, please remind people that we’re waiting for Austin,” she implored. “We know that when he comes out, he’s going to be fairly dazed and he’s going to need lots of care and direction. Direct him to his family please!”
