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Biden Urges Immediate Release of Journalist Austin Tice, Abducted 12 Years Ago in Syria

Aug 14, 2024, 05:22 PM

President Joe Biden has reiterated his call for the immediate release of Austin Tice, an American journalist and former U.S. Marine, who was abducted in Syria 12 years ago. The Biden administration has repeatedly urged the Syrian government, led by President Bashar al-Assad, to cooperate with U.S. efforts to secure Tice's release. Tice, a Houston resident, was reporting on the Syrian civil war when he was taken hostage. His case has gained renewed attention following a recent prisoner exchange with Russia. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other U.S. officials have also called for Syria to provide an accounting of Tice's fate and that of other Americans missing in the region. On the 12th anniversary of Tice's abduction, Biden issued a statement Wednesday, while Tice's mother, Debra Tice, continues to advocate for his release.