The fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime has rekindled hope in the quest to find kidnapped Americans Austin Tice and Majd Kamalmaz in Syria.
At a Glance
- Austin Tice vanished in Syria during a 2012 reporting trip; his family believes he remains alive there.
- The U.S. government suspects Syria holds Tice, despite regime denials, and has increased efforts to find him.
- The Syrian Emergency Task Force focuses its search post-Assad, with U.S. backing and financial rewards offered.
- Mouaz Moustafa, SETF leader, plans a Damascus visit to investigate potential leads for Tice’s location.
Initial Disappearance and Ongoing Efforts
Austin Tice, a journalist and veteran, disappeared in Syria in 2012 during the civil war. Despite the former Syrian regime’s denial of his detention, U.S. officials believe Tice is held by the Syrian government. Strengthened efforts to find Tice have emerged, particularly following the regime’s recent collapse. The U.S. offers substantial rewards, hoping to gather any crucial information regarding Tice’s whereabouts.
Journalist Austin Tice’s case has become a top priority for the Biden administration. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan stated, “This is a top priority: to find Austin Tice, locate the prison where he may be held, get him home safely to his family.” The administration has continued to work closely with the Syrian Emergency Task Force, providing support wherever possible to ensure Tice’s safe return.
Renewed Hopes After Assad’s Fall
Bashar al-Assad’s overthrow has sparked new optimism in the search for missing Americans in Syria. The Syrian Emergency Task Force, led by Mouaz Moustafa, is actively breathing new life into efforts to locate these individuals, knowing that the collapse of the brutal regime could unlock new possibilities. Moustafa emphasized the mission’s importance, stating, “God willing, we can find him and bring him home.”
The task force’s determination remains uncompromised as they continue their search with identified Syrian prisons as potential sites for discovery. Moustafa plans to visit Damascus, exploring leads that might unravel Tice’s captivity. The organization’s operation, driven by firm resolve, has received significant backing from U.S. agencies threatened by Assad’s downfall, amplifying their goal of returning both Tice and Kamalmaz to safety.
Syrian American missing in Syria since 2017. Praying he returns home safely to his family. https://t.co/PxjyWLeO1I
— Hassan Shibly (@HassanShibly) December 8, 2024
Family’s Relentless Advocacy
Austin Tice’s family has been a relentless force, advocating for his release. The Tice family remains convinced of his survival, even as the search through Syria’s complex network of government facilities proves challenging. President Biden expressed cautious optimism, saying, “We believe he’s alive. We think we can get him back.” Families stay driven by hope, rallying behind the ongoing investigations and movements aimed at securing Tice’s return.
The tragic reality of untold numbers of prisoners has garnered international attention, reiterating the profound human rights issues under Assad’s fallen regime. As negotiators and task force members press on, the intelligence gathered, combined with Assad’s exit, ignites a renewed determination, offering promising potential to unveil what is assumed to be hidden truths regarding Tice’s fate.
Sources:
- Efforts To Locate U.S. Journalist Austin Tice Intensify After Fall Of Assad Regime
- US group looks for kidnapped Americans in Syria after fall of Assad regime: won’t ‘leave a stone unturned’
