Following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria, the search for missing American journalist Austin Tice has gained renewed momentum. Mouaz Moustafa, leading the Syrian Emergency Task Force, has traveled to Damascus with a team to seek information about Americans potentially held captive by the former regime.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a recent press conference, pledged to discuss Tice's case with Assad, who has sought refuge in Moscow. While acknowledging the passage of time since Tice's disappearance in 2012, Putin promised to raise the issue with the former Syrian president.
Tice's mother, Debra Tice, directly appealed to Putin in a letter, highlighting Russia's influence with the Syrian government and requesting assistance in locating her son. She expressed willingness to travel anywhere to be reunited with him.
In an interview, Debra Tice defended her decision to contact Putin, emphasizing the need to explore all avenues for information. She believes Russia's long-standing presence in Syria could provide valuable insights into her son's whereabouts.
The U.S. State Department has intensified its efforts to locate Tice, offering a $10 million reward for information leading to his release. Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed that all leads are being pursued and that finding Tice is a top priority. The State Department is exploring options for direct engagement within Syria.
