Renewed Hope for Austin Tice’s Return as US Intensifies Efforts Following Assad’s Ouster

The family of Austin Tice, an American journalist abducted in Syria in 2012, is filled with renewed hope for his return following the recent overthrow of Syrian President Bashar Assad‘s government. Tice, a former Marine and freelance journalist, was captured on August 14, 2012, while reporting on the Syrian civil war in Damascus. Despite his long captivity, the Tice family and U.S. officials remain confident that he is still alive.

President Joe Biden has pledged that the U.S. will make concerted efforts to bring Tice home. This commitment comes after Syrian rebels seized the capital city of Damascus, marking a significant shift in the 13-year civil war. The U.S. has sent its special envoy for hostage affairs, Roger Carstens, to Beirut to gather information about Tice’s whereabouts and work towards his safe return.

The Tice family recently visited Washington D.C. to advocate for Austin’s release, meeting with various officials including congressmen and representatives from the FBI. This trip was planned months in advance but coincided with the unexpected fall of Assad’s regime, which has heightened hopes for Tice’s imminent return. Becky Tice, Austin’s aunt, expressed her family’s enduring belief that Austin is alive and their eagerness to be reunited with him.

Senators from both parties have called on President Biden to brief the Senate on the detailed steps being taken to secure Tice’s release. A bipartisan letter signed by 34 senators urged the administration to seize the current opportunity presented by the changing situation in Syria to bring Tice home. The letter emphasized that Tice, a veteran and journalist, represents the best of the nation and deserves full government support for his release.

The U.S. government has also initiated multiple reward programs for information leading to Tice’s whereabouts. The FBI is offering up to $1 million, and the State Department‘s Rewards for Justice program is offering up to $10 million. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to connect with on-ground sources in Syria and Turkey who may have crucial information about Tice’s location.