Debra Tice, the mother of American journalist Austin Tice, expressed hope on Sunday that recent upheaval in Syria could lead to her son’s freedom. Austin Tice was taken captive in Syria in August 2012 while reporting on the country’s civil war.
Debra drew parallels between her hopes and the release of Missouri resident Travis Timmerman, who had been held in a Syrian prison by rebels. Timmerman, arrested earlier this year for entering Syria illegally during a spiritual mission, was mistakenly identified on social media as her son. Debra called the incident a “moment of joy” and likened it to a “rehearsal” for Austin’s eventual release.
Austin’s case has resurfaced following the ouster of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad after 13 years of civil war. Rebels, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, have freed thousands from Damascus prisons, but fears remain about Tice’s fate. Some U.S. officials worry he may have died during recent Israeli airstrikes or suffocated in underground cells after power was cut during Assad’s retreat.
Debra thanked journalists and civilians, including Hostage Aid Worldwide, for their ongoing search for Austin. While cautious about urging U.S. intervention, she expressed gratitude for those working on the ground.
Tice, a freelance journalist for The Washington Post and McClatchy, was captured near Aleppo in 2012. A 2013 report revealed he briefly escaped captivity and was seen moving between houses in Damascus’ Mazzeh neighborhood.
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