New Documents Confirm Syria Detained Journalist Austin Tice

In a significant development, the BBC has obtained top-secret Syrian intelligence files that confirm, for the first time, that American journalist Austin Tice was imprisoned by the regime of Bashar al-Assad. These documents, along with testimonies from former Syrian officials, provide concrete evidence of Tice’s detention following his abduction near Damascus in August 2012.

The intelligence files, labeled ‘Austin Tice,’ include communications from various branches of Syrian intelligence, verifying that he was held in a detention facility in Damascus. A former senior Syrian intelligence officer confirmed that Tice was detained by a paramilitary group loyal to Assad, known as the National Defence Forces (NDF).

These revelations mark the first official acknowledgment of Tice’s detention by the Assad regime, which had previously denied any involvement in his disappearance. The confirmation comes after years of uncertainty and speculation surrounding Tice’s fate.

Tice, a former U.S. Marine and freelance journalist, was abducted while reporting on the Syrian civil war. Weeks after his capture, a video surfaced showing him blindfolded and in distress. No group claimed responsibility, and his whereabouts remained unknown.

The newly uncovered documents and testimonies provide a clearer picture of Tice’s captivity and the Syrian regime’s role in his detention. This information could be pivotal in ongoing efforts to locate and secure his release.

The U.S. government has previously stated its belief that Tice was held by the Syrian government, but lacked concrete evidence. These findings now substantiate those claims, potentially opening new avenues for diplomatic negotiations.

Tice’s family continues to advocate for his release, and this confirmation brings renewed hope. His mother, Debra Tice, has been actively involved in efforts to locate her son, including recent visits to Syria to meet with officials.

As the international community digests this new information, the focus intensifies on securing Austin Tice’s freedom and holding those responsible for his prolonged captivity accountable.