Official announcements from the U.S. government or credible international organizations

President Biden Says Missing Journalist Austin Tice Is Alive Despite No Direct Evidence

Dec 8, 2024, 08:00 PM

The family of Austin Tice, an American journalist, Washington Post contributor, and Marine Corps veteran who disappeared in Syria in 2012, has revealed new information suggesting he is alive. Tice's mother, Debra Tice, stated she is confident her son is alive, citing information from a significant source vetted by the U.S. government. The family met with National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan on Friday to renew efforts for his release after over a decade in captivity. President Joe Biden affirmed on Sunday that the U.S. government believes Tice is alive and is committed to bringing him home, although they currently have no direct evidence of his whereabouts. Biden added that "Assad should be held accountable" and expressed that they "think we can get him back." Tice was kidnapped near Damascus in August 2012 while reporting on the Syrian civil war. The family has expressed frustration with the U.S. government's progress in securing his release.