Top Syrian General Claims Journalist Austin Tice Executed on Assad’s Orders

BEIRUT, Lebanon — Major General Bassam Hassan, a high-ranking Syrian general who served under former President Bashar al-Assad, has reportedly told U.S. investigators that American journalist Austin Tice, who went missing in 2012, is dead. In a meeting with the FBI and CIA, Hassan claimed that Assad ordered Tice’s execution.

The New York Times and BBC first reported the allegations, citing sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity. However, Hassan’s claims remain unverified.

Tice, a former U.S. Marine, was abducted at a Damascus checkpoint in August 2012 while working as a freelance journalist. He had briefly escaped captivity but was recaptured and allegedly held in a detention facility under Hassan’s control.

U.S. officials have long suspected Hassan’s involvement in Tice’s imprisonment. Hassan is regarded as a crucial source on vital intelligence matters, including Syria’s chemical weapons program and Iranian activities in the region.

The Tice family expressed disappointment over the recent claims, doubting their authenticity. Debra Tice, Austin’s mother, has maintained hope for her son’s safety and stated, “Austin, if you can somehow hear this, I love you. I know you’re not giving up and neither am I.”

Previous reports have conflicted about Tice’s status, with some indicating he might still be alive. Intelligence from earlier this month claimed Tice had been imprisoned in Damascus. In a rare admission, a former Syrian general, Safwan Bahloul, said he had interrogated Tice, marking the first acknowledgment of direct contact with the journalist from a Syrian official.

Hassan was sanctioned by the U.S., U.K., and EU for his alleged role in chemical attacks during the conflict. After rebel forces captured Damascus, he fled to Iran in December 2024, later traveling voluntarily to Lebanon.

Hassan’s meetings with U.S. officials in Lebanon have raised questions about his cooperation, as the extent of his claims remains to be validated. U.S. diplomats continue to advocate for Tice’s return, with hopes of new revelations concerning his fate.

As debates over press freedom and accountability grow, the plight of journalists like Austin Tice emphasizes the dangers they face in conflict zones.