‘Top priority’: US renews push to find Austin Tice after al-Assad toppled
Top News
2 weeks ago

‘Top priority’: US renews push to find Austin Tice after al-Assad toppled

Al Jazeera  

The US journalist is believed to be among 135,000 people detained or disappeared by Syrian government during war. The United States has renewed its efforts to locate missing journalist Austin Tice in Syria in the immediate aftermath of the toppling of the country’s longtime leader Bashar al-Assad in a surprise offensive. Just a day after opposition fighters led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group took control of Damascus, White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said on Monday that finding Tice is a “top priority”, while State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said that an envoy had been sent to Beirut as part of “intensive efforts” to find Tice. The latest push to find Tice comes as rebel groups – in their lightning offensive across Syria – have released thousands of prisoners held for years under al-Assad’s government. ‘Austin Tice is alive’ US President Joe Biden had previously pushed for Tice’s release with the Department of State in 2022 saying it was “directly engaged” with Syrian officials on the matter.

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History of this topic

US drops $10M terrorism bounty offered for capture of Syrian rebel leader who ousted Assad
3 days, 12 hours ago

US drops $10M terrorism bounty offered for capture of Syrian rebel leader who ousted Assad

Associated Press  

DAMASCUS, Syria — The Biden administration said Friday it has decided not to pursue a $10 million reward it had offered for the capture of a Syrian rebel leader whose forces led the ouster of President Bashar Assad earlier this month. The announcement followed a meeting in Damascus between the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, Ahmad al-Sharaa, who …

Kidnapped journalist Austin Tice went missing in Syria 12 years ago. The Assad regime collapse has renewed hopes he may be alive
5 days, 22 hours ago

Kidnapped journalist Austin Tice went missing in Syria 12 years ago. The Assad regime collapse has renewed hopes he may be alive

The Independent  

Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. I speak passable Spanish and I’m slowly getting there with Arabic.” He added: “I’m …

No US group searching for missing journalist in Syria: Justice Department
6 days, 18 hours ago

No US group searching for missing journalist in Syria: Justice Department

India Today  

The US State Department on Monday said there is no US government organisation currently on the ground in Syria for the search of Austin Tice, an American journalist taken captive during a reporting trip in August 2012, but did not rule out the possibility. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters at a regular news briefing that the US was …

The search is on for Austin Tice: Who is US journalist who went missing in Syria in 2012?
1 week ago

The search is on for Austin Tice: Who is US journalist who went missing in Syria in 2012?

Firstpost  

Austin Tice was taken captive by a pro-Assad militia in 2012 after he travelled to Syria as a freelance journalist to cover the civil war. Tice can be heard reciting a prayer, in Arabic, before saying in English: “Oh Jesus, oh Jesus.” According to Forbes, the state department at the time claimed Tice had been captured by Assad’s government. But …

Mother of missing journalist Austin Tice says American found in Syria like ‘rehearsal’ of reconnecting with son
1 week ago

Mother of missing journalist Austin Tice says American found in Syria like ‘rehearsal’ of reconnecting with son

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The scores of prisoners …

Search for missing US reporter in Syria intensifies after Assad's ouster
Trending News
1 week, 1 day ago

Search for missing US reporter in Syria intensifies after Assad's ouster

India Today  

In the early days of 2013, an American man, dressed in ragged clothing, dodged between houses in the streets of Damascus' upscale Mazzeh neighbourhood looking for a civilian to take him to safety after more than five months of captivity in the concrete cells of a local prison. US officials say that Tice's 2013 escape from prison, where he was …

Mother of Austin Tice pushing for more government help in finding son
1 week, 1 day ago

Mother of Austin Tice pushing for more government help in finding son

Politico  

Tice gave credit to journalists such as NBC correspondent Richard Engel and organizations like Hostage Aid Worldwide — a non-profit that fights for the release of hostages — for reporting from Syria on the ground. “They are going into the cells, they’re going into some deep and dark places, and obviously, they are compelled to be there and the U.S. …

U.S. officials have been in direct contact with the Syrian rebel group that ousted Assad, Blinken says
Top News
1 week, 1 day ago

U.S. officials have been in direct contact with the Syrian rebel group that ousted Assad, Blinken says

The Hindu  

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Saturday that American officials have been in direct contact with the Syrian rebel group that spearheaded the overthrow of President Bashar Assad’s government but is designated a foreign terrorist organization by the United States and others. Mr. Blinken is the first U.S. official to publicly confirm contacts between the Biden administration and …

U.S. in direct contact with Syrian rebels who ousted Assad, Blinken says
1 week, 2 days ago

U.S. in direct contact with Syrian rebels who ousted Assad, Blinken says

LA Times  

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken speaks during his meeting with the United Nations special envoy for Syria in Jordan’s southern Red Sea coastal city of Aqaba on Saturday. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken said Saturday that American officials have been in direct contact with the Syrian rebel group that spearheaded the overthrow of President Bashar Assad’s government but …

Syria: US man found near Damascus after spending months in prison
1 week, 3 days ago

Syria: US man found near Damascus after spending months in prison

Firstpost  

A 30-year-old US man, who was missing since May, has been found among thousands of prisoners freed by Syrian rebels after toppling Assad’s regime. Timmerman said since the guards were still there, the very thought which came on his mind was that the “warfare could have been more active than it ended up being.” Exclusive: The American citizen found near …

Travis Timmerman: Missing US man found near Damascus after months in Syrian prison
1 week, 3 days ago

Travis Timmerman: Missing US man found near Damascus after months in Syrian prison

India Today  

An American, Travis Timmerman, who spent seven months in a Syrian prison after crossing into the country on foot on a Christian pilgrimage, has been found. Exclusive: The American citizen found near the Syrian capital Damascus is named Travis Timmerman, and is not missing US journalist Austin Tice. When Timmerman was found, officials were looking for the missing US journalist …

Syria - latest: American Travis Timmerman found alive after seven months in Syrian jail
Top News
1 week, 4 days ago

Syria - latest: American Travis Timmerman found alive after seven months in Syrian jail

The Independent  

✕ Close Rebel fighters stand next to the burning gravesite of Syria’s late president Hafez al-Assad For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about …

Efforts To Locate U.S. Journalist Austin Tice Intensify After Fall Of Assad Regime
1 week, 4 days ago

Efforts To Locate U.S. Journalist Austin Tice Intensify After Fall Of Assad Regime

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING Efforts to locate Austin Tice, the U.S. journalist who was abducted while covering the civil war in Syria over 12 years ago, have gained new urgency following the sudden fall of Bashar Assad’s regime in the country. Tice’s father, Marc, told the newspaper he is “hopeful that the U.S. government would accept that offer.” Meanwhile, U.S. officials …

Family of missing Austin Tice say they are ‘incredibly hopeful’ the US journalist will be found in Syria
Trending News
1 week, 4 days ago

Family of missing Austin Tice say they are ‘incredibly hopeful’ the US journalist will be found in Syria

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. US president Joe Biden also said after the Assad …

The fall of Syria brings hope to the family of Austin Tice
1 week, 4 days ago

The fall of Syria brings hope to the family of Austin Tice

LA Times  

Naomi Tice, sister of Austin Tice, a journalist who was kidnapped in Syria, speaks at the National Press Club in Washington, joined by family members on Dec. 6, 2024. At the very least, said Simon, the youngest of the siblings at 31 — the age Austin was when he was kidnapped — she wouldn’t have to experience “the frustration by …

Missing Journalist Austin Tice: U.S. hostage envoy Roger Carstens in Beirut to seek information
1 week, 6 days ago

Missing Journalist Austin Tice: U.S. hostage envoy Roger Carstens in Beirut to seek information

The Hindu  

The U.S. Government's top hostage negotiator is in Beirut in hopes of collecting information on the whereabouts of Austin Tice, an American journalist missing in Syria for 12 years, the State Department said on Monday. Roger Carstens, the special presidential envoy for hostage affairs, is talking to officials in the region following the overthrow of Bashar Assad’s Government to find …

Live updates: Syrians celebrate fall of Assad as Israel is accused of land grab
54 years, 11 months ago

Live updates: Syrians celebrate fall of Assad as Israel is accused of land grab

CNN  

This photo shows freelance journalist Austin Tice, who went missing in Syria in 2012. Fort Worth Star-Telegram/Tribune News Service/Getty Images American journalist Austin Tice vanished while reporting near Damascus in August 2012. The US has long believed Tice, a US Marine Corps veteran and former Georgetown law student, was being held by the Syrian government, though the regime never acknowledged …

The fall of Syria's Assad has renewed hope for the release of U.S. journalist Austin Tice
1 week, 6 days ago

The fall of Syria's Assad has renewed hope for the release of U.S. journalist Austin Tice

NPR  

The fall of Syria's Assad has renewed hope for the release of U.S. journalist Austin Tice toggle caption Joseph Eid/AFP via Getty Images After the stunning fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, U.S. officials say they are working with sources on the ground to get information about missing American journalist Austin Tice, according to national security adviser Jake Sullivan, who …

US rushes to uncover new information on whereabouts of Austin Tice after collapse of Syrian regime
1 week, 6 days ago

US rushes to uncover new information on whereabouts of Austin Tice after collapse of Syrian regime

CNN  

CNN — The US government is rushing to uncover new information on the whereabouts of Austin Tice following the collapse of the Syrian government this weekend. One US official told CNN that there is a “full-court press” to find Tice and that the US is “leaving no stone unturned.” The FBI on Sunday renewed its offer of up to $1 …

US expedites search for journalist Austin Tice after Assad's ouster from Syria
1 week, 6 days ago

US expedites search for journalist Austin Tice after Assad's ouster from Syria

India Today  

US officials were pressing on Monday for information about Austin Tice and to secure the release of the American journalist captured in Syria 12 years ago. Washington's hostage-affairs envoy Roger Carstens was in Beirut as part of intensive efforts to locate Tice, according to the State Department, while White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said other officials were seeking …

US hostage envoy in Beirut to seek information on missing journalist Austin Tice
1 week, 6 days ago

US hostage envoy in Beirut to seek information on missing journalist Austin Tice

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The U.S. government’s top hostage negotiator is in Beirut in hopes of collecting information on the whereabouts of Austin Tice, an American journalist missing in Syria for 12 years, the State Department said Monday. Roger Carstens, the special presidential envoy for hostage affairs, is talking to officials in the region following the overthrow of Bashar Assad’s government to …

US hostage envoy in Beirut to seek information on missing journalist Austin Tice
1 week, 6 days ago

US hostage envoy in Beirut to seek information on missing journalist Austin Tice

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The U.S. government's top …

Biden says US believes journalist who disappeared in Syria in 2012 is alive
Trending News
2 weeks ago

Biden says US believes journalist who disappeared in Syria in 2012 is alive

India Today  

President Joe Biden said on Sunday that the US government believes missing American journalist Austin Tice, who disappeared 12 years ago near the Syrian capital, is alive and that Washington is committed to bringing him home after Bashar Assad’s ouster from power in Damascus. Biden said officials must still identify exactly where Tice is after his disappearance in August 2012 …

The US believes journalist Austin Tice is alive after disappearing in Syria in 2012, Biden says
2 weeks ago

The US believes journalist Austin Tice is alive after disappearing in Syria in 2012, Biden says

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden said Sunday that the U.S. government believes missing American journalist Austin Tice, who disappeared 12 years ago near the Syrian capital, is alive and that Washington is committed to bringing him home after Bashar Assad’s ouster from power in Damascus. “Assad should be held accountable.” Biden said officials must still identify exactly where Tice is …

Austin Tice is alive and well, says mom of US journalist missing in Syria for over a decade
2 weeks, 2 days ago

Austin Tice is alive and well, says mom of US journalist missing in Syria for over a decade

Hindustan Times  

The mother of Austin Tice, an American journalist missing in Syria for more than a decade, said Friday that she was confident her son was alive, citing information she said had come from a “significant source” that she did not identify but said had been vetted by the U.S. government and treated as credible. “The news we're hearing from the …

Mother of US journalist kidnapped in Syria says he's alive, family hopeful
2 weeks, 2 days ago

Mother of US journalist kidnapped in Syria says he's alive, family hopeful

Hindustan Times  

The mother of Austin Tice, the American journalist abducted in Syria in 2012, told reporters Friday that her son is believed to be alive and is being "treated well," without providing further details. The mother of Austin Tice, the American journalist abducted in Syria in 2012, told reporters on Friday that her son is believed to be alive. On Friday, …

Mother of Austin Tice, journalist missing in Syria, says new information proves her son is alive
Trending News
2 weeks, 2 days ago

Mother of Austin Tice, journalist missing in Syria, says new information proves her son is alive

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The mother of Austin …

Mother of Austin Tice, journalist missing in Syria, says new information proves her son is alive
2 weeks, 2 days ago

Mother of Austin Tice, journalist missing in Syria, says new information proves her son is alive

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The mother of Austin Tice, an American journalist missing in Syria for more than a decade, said Friday that she was confident her son was alive, citing information she said had come from a “significant source” that she did not identify but said had been vetted by the U.S. government and treated as credible. Tice’s mother and other …

Lebanon: Mediation ongoing for Austin Tice, held in Syria
2 years, 1 month ago

Lebanon: Mediation ongoing for Austin Tice, held in Syria

Associated Press  

BEIRUT — Lebanon is still mediating between the United States and Syria over the fate of American journalist Austin Tice who went missing a decade ago in the war-torn country, a Lebanese general said Tuesday. Lebanese Maj. Gen. Abbas Ibrahim, who met with U.S. officials in Washington in May as part of mediation efforts for Tice’s release, told reporters in …

Syria denies it is holding American journalist Austin Tice
2 years, 4 months ago

Syria denies it is holding American journalist Austin Tice

Associated Press  

DAMASCUS, Syria — Syria denied on Wednesday it is holding U.S. journalist Austin Tice or other Americans after President Joe Biden accused the Syrian government of detaining him. The Syrian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Damascus “denies it had kidnapped or is holding any American citizen on its territories.” “The U.S. issued last week misleading and illogical statements …

Austin Tice: Who is the American journalist believed to be held captive in Syria?
2 years, 4 months ago

Austin Tice: Who is the American journalist believed to be held captive in Syria?

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Biden ‘certain’ Syria captured journalist Last week, President …

Syria denies holding U.S. journalist Austin Tice, rejecting Biden’s allegations
2 years, 4 months ago

Syria denies holding U.S. journalist Austin Tice, rejecting Biden’s allegations

LA Times  

Syria denied Wednesday that it is holding U.S. journalist Austin Tice or other Americans after President Biden accused the government here of detaining him. The Syrian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Damascus “denies it had kidnapped or is holding any American citizen on its territories.” “The U.S. issued last week misleading and illogical statements by the American president …

Syria denies holding US journalist Austin Tice captive
2 years, 4 months ago

Syria denies holding US journalist Austin Tice captive

Al Jazeera  

Syria has denied kidnapping or keeping captive US journalist Austin Tice, who disappeared 10 years ago near Damascus. Syria’s foreign ministry issued a statement on Wednesday in response to United States President Joe Biden’s claims last week that he knew “with certainty” that Tice “has been held by the Syrian regime”, and called on Damascus to help bring him home. …

US ‘directly engaged’ with Syrian officials on Austin Tice case
2 years, 4 months ago

US ‘directly engaged’ with Syrian officials on Austin Tice case

Al Jazeera  

State Department spokesman renews pledge to secure return of US journalist believed to be held by Syrian government. The United States has “directly engaged” with Syrian officials on the detention of US journalist Austin Tice, a spokesman for the US Department of State said, as the Biden administration renewed its pledge to secure Tice’s safe return to the country. “We …

‘End this’ Biden tells Syria 10 years after Austin Tice abduction
2 years, 4 months ago

‘End this’ Biden tells Syria 10 years after Austin Tice abduction

Al Jazeera  

The Biden administration implored the Syrian government to work with the United States to return Tice home. US President Joe Biden reaffirmed his commitment to returning journalist Austin Tice home and implored the Syrian government to come to an agreement to secure his release 10 years after his abduction. “We have repeatedly asked the government of Syria to work with …

Lebanese general renews mediation over missing US journalist
2 years, 6 months ago

Lebanese general renews mediation over missing US journalist

Associated Press  

BEIRUT — A Lebanese security chief has met U.S. officials in Washington as part of mediation between Washington and Damascus for the release of an American journalist missing in Syria, the head of a mission that assists hostages said Wednesday. Nizar Zakka, President of the U.S.-based Hostage Aid Worldwide, told The Associated Press by telephone that Maj. Gen. Abbas Ibrahim …

Trump called on Assad to help find missing journalist: Pompeo
4 years, 4 months ago

Trump called on Assad to help find missing journalist: Pompeo

Al Jazeera  

Pompeo says Trump wrote to Assad, who the US wants deposed, to request help finding Austin Tice, missing since 2012. US President Donald Trump wrote to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in March to propose “direct dialogue” about the case of Austin Tice, a journalist who went missing in Syria in 2012, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has confirmed in a …

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