Remains found in Syria do not include those of Austin Tice, family says

The search for journalist and U.S. Marine Corps veteran Austin Tice, who has been missing in Syria for over 12 years, continues as reports of his body being found have been deemed false by his family.

Despite regional media outlets initially reporting that remains found in Syria may belong to Tice, there is no evidence to support this claim. The international search effort, organized by Qatar to locate captives once held by ISIS, discovered remains in the region. However, those familiar with Tice’s case maintain that he was not held by ISIS and was not in the area where the remains were found. Tice’s family reiterated in December that they have strong reasons to believe he is still alive.

“We appreciate the ongoing efforts to help families of ISIS victims find closure,” a spokesperson for the Tice family stated. “However, the initial report of Austin Tice being identified among the remains was quickly proven to be inaccurate.”

Tice, 43, a freelance photographer and journalist, was abducted in Damascus in August 2012. A former Marine captain who had served in Afghanistan, he had traveled to Syria as an independent journalist in May 2012, before completing his final year at Georgetown Law School. No group has claimed responsibility for his kidnapping.

The FBI is offering a reward of up to $1 million for any information that could lead to Tice’s safe return.

The search for Austin Tice continues as his family holds onto hope that he will be found alive and reunited with them. The misinformation regarding his remains serves as a reminder of the challenges and uncertainties faced by families of missing individuals in conflict zones. The dedication to finding answers and bringing closure to Tice’s case remains unwavering.

This article was written by Fox News staff.