US Believes Journalist Austin Tice Is Alive After Disappearing in Syria in 2012, Biden Says

President Joe Biden announced on Sunday that the U.S. government believes missing American journalist Austin Tice, who vanished 12 years ago near the Syrian capital, is still alive. Biden expressed Washington’s commitment to bringing Tice home following Bashar Assad’s removal from power in Damascus.

“We think we can get him back,” Biden stated at the White House. However, he admitted that there is no direct evidence of Tice’s current status. Biden also emphasized the need for Assad to be held accountable for his actions.

Efforts are still underway to determine Tice’s exact whereabouts after his disappearance in August 2012 at a checkpoint west of Damascus in a contested area. “We’ve remained committed to returning him to his family,” Biden affirmed.

Originating from Houston, Tice’s work had been published by various media outlets, including The Washington Post and McClatchy newspapers.

Shortly after Tice went missing, a video surfaced showing him blindfolded and held by armed individuals, uttering, “Oh, Jesus.” Since then, there has been no communication from him. Despite public denials from Syria, Tice’s captivity has not been confirmed.

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According to a U.S. official, there is no new evidence confirming Tice’s current status, but the assumption of his survival persists. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, emphasized that efforts to locate and repatriate Tice will continue.

Tice’s mother, Debra, shared during a recent news conference in Washington that the family received information from a credible source indicating her son’s well-being. “He is being cared for and he is well — we do know that,” she stated.

Last week, the Tice family met with officials from the State Department and the White House to discuss the ongoing efforts to secure Austin’s release.

Debra Tice also made a plea through hostage advocacy groups on social media, urging those in Syria to assist in reuniting Austin with his family upon his return. “We know that when he comes out, he’s going to be fairly dazed & he’s going to need lots of care & direction. Direct him to his family please!”

By Eric Tucker and Aamer Madhani