Debra Tice, the mother of missing American journalist Austin Tice, visited Syria for the first time in nearly ten years, expressing optimism about support from President Trump's administration. During a press conference in Damascus, Debra stated that while there are no new leads in Austin's disappearance near the Syrian capital in 2012, Trump's team has promised to help locate her son. "His people have already reached out to me," she said.
Austin, who was last seen in a 2012 video blindfolded and surrounded by armed men, is among tens of thousands missing since Syria's conflict began in 2011. Former President Biden had noted hope for Austin's return, despite lacking direct evidence of his condition. Debra remains steadfast in her belief of Austin's survival, saying, "Austin, if you can somehow hear this, I love you. I know you're not giving up, and neither am I."
In Syria, Debra met with Ahmad al-Sharaa, leader of the new administration, who she described as committed to bringing missing individuals, including Austin, back home. She also visited two notorious military intelligence prisons and conveyed their harrowing conditions, labeling them an "unbelievably, horrible nightmare."
story continues below
Austin Tice, a Houston native with work published by The Washington Post and McClatchy, remains a notable figure in the complex tapestry of those missing in Syria. The Tice family remains hopeful that new diplomatic efforts might shed light on Austin's fate and lead to his return. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
,
uBlock 
,
and
Ghostery 
)
