Collapse of Syria’s Assad regime renews push US to find Austin Tice

The fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria has brought renewed efforts by the Biden administration to find American journalist and Marine veteran Austin Tice, who was abducted in Syria 12 years ago. The White House national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, has confirmed intensive efforts to locate Tice and bring him home to his family.

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller urged anyone with information about Tice’s whereabouts to contact the FBI immediately. The FBI is offering up to $1 million for credible information leading to Tice’s safe return, while the State Department’s Rewards for Justice program is offering up to $10 million for information about Tice’s location.

Sullivan revealed that the U.S. is working with partners in Turkey to communicate with sources in Syria who may have information to help locate the prison where Tice is believed to be held. Tice, who was 31 when he was detained in Damascus in 2012 while reporting on the uprising against the Assad regime, is still believed to be alive by his family.

President Biden has made it clear that the U.S. will not rest until Tice is returned home safely. Efforts to engage with Syrian sources and intermediaries, including back-channel talks with the Syrian regime, have been ongoing for years. However, the Syrian officials have been uncooperative, demanding concessions from the U.S. in exchange for proof-of-life information on Tice.

The recent rebel takeover of Syria, along with the collapse of Hezbollah and the Assad regime’s support from Russia and Iran, has led to the release of tens of thousands of captives from Syria’s brutal prisons. The infamous Saydnaya military prison, known as the “human slaughterhouse,” was liberated by rebels, providing hope to families who have not seen their loved ones held in these prisons for years.

President Biden expressed optimism about Tice’s potential return, stating that the U.S. believes he is alive and that efforts are being made to identify his whereabouts and secure his release. The administration remains committed to bringing Tice home and will continue to pursue all avenues to ensure his safe return.