Biden Claims the U.S. Believes Journalist Austin Tice Is Alive After His 2012 Disappearance in Syria

WASHINGTON—On Sunday, President Joe Biden stated that the U.S. government believes missing American journalist Austin Tice, who vanished 12 years ago near the Syrian capital, is still alive, and Washington is dedicated to securing his return following Bashar Assad’s removal from power in Damascus.

“We are optimistic about bringing him back,” Biden informed reporters at the White House, while admitting that “we have no direct evidence” regarding his current status. “Assad must be held accountable.”

Biden mentioned that authorities need to pinpoint Tice’s exact location after he went missing in August 2012 at a checkpoint in a disputed area west of Damascus.

“We have remained committed to reuniting him with his family,” he said.

Tice, hailing from Houston, has had his work published by The Washington Post, McClatchy newspapers, and other organizations.

A video that surfaced weeks after Tice’s disappearance depicted him blindfolded and held by armed individuals, exclaiming, “Oh, Jesus.” He has not been heard from since, and Syria has publicly denied detaining him.

The U.S. currently has no new evidence proving Tice is alive, but continues to act under the belief that he is, according to an anonymous U.S. official. The official, who requested not to be named, stated that the U.S. will persist in efforts to determine his whereabouts and strive for his safe return.

Debra Tice, his mother, stated at a press conference on Friday in Washington that the family has received information from a “significant source,” whom she did not name, confirming her son’s survival.

“He is receiving care and is well — that much we know,” she expressed.

This past week, the Tice family held meetings with officials from the State Department and the White House.

“To everyone in Syria who hears this, please remind people that we’re awaiting Austin’s return,” Debra Tice said in comments circulated by hostage advocacy organizations on social media on Sunday. “We understand that upon his return, he may be quite disoriented and will need plenty of support and guidance. Please direct him to his family!”

By Eric Tucker and Aamer Madhani