American freed from Syrian prison after Assad’s overthrow taken out of country by US military
An American who was recently released from a Syrian prison after being held for seven months has been safely flown out of the country on a U.S. military helicopter, according to a U.S. official who requested anonymity. Travis Timmerman, the freed prisoner, recounted his harrowing experience, revealing that he had been on a Christian pilgrimage when he illegally crossed into Syria and was subsequently detained. Along with another Syrian man, Timmerman was liberated by rebels who overthrew former President Bashar al-Assad over the weekend, along with around 70 women who were also being held captive, some with their children.
Despite being held in the notorious Syrian intelligence facility known as Palestine Branch, Timmerman stated that he was not mistreated during his time in captivity. While he acknowledged hearing the sounds of other men being tortured daily, he emphasized that he was provided with food and water, and the guards treated him decently. However, he noted that one of the challenges he faced was not being able to use the bathroom whenever he needed to, and was only allowed out of his cell three times a day for this purpose.
Following Assad’s overthrow, rebels stormed the prison and freed Timmerman by breaking down the door of his cell. The video footage of his release showed him lying on a mattress under a blanket in what appeared to be a private residence, with assurances from the men in the video that he was being well cared for and would be safely repatriated.
Palestine Branch, also known as Branch 235, has a grim history of torture and abuse, as documented by Human Rights Watch and other organizations. Former prisoners have reported horrific treatment, including electrocutions, beatings, and prolonged periods of hanging by their wrists. Many inmates have succumbed to illness or starvation due to the deplorable conditions within the facility.
In the wake of Assad’s regime collapse, stories of torture and executions have emerged from other Syrian prisons, such as Sednaya. Former inmates have recounted chilling experiences of being stripped of their clothes, taken away for executions, and living in constant fear of death. As loved ones search for signs of those who went missing in these barbaric prisons, the true extent of the atrocities committed under Assad’s rule continues to come to light.
The release of Travis Timmerman and thousands of other prisoners marks a new chapter for Syria, as the country transitions from years of brutal dictatorship to an uncertain future. The resilience and courage of those who survived the horrors of Syrian prisons serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of hope and freedom.
