Major General Bassam Al Hassan alleges that ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad ordered the execution of American journalist Austin Tice, who has been missing since 2012. Despite claims of dissuading the order, Al Hassan's remarks on meetings with US authorities are being scrutinized. Tice's family continues to hope for his return.
Allegations of Austin Tice's Execution by Assad Resurface Amid Controversy
Allegations of Austin Tice's Execution by Assad Resurface Amid Controversy
Claims regarding the fate of missing journalist Austin Tice emerge from a former Syrian commander, raising tension in US-Syria relations.
A former commander linked to the Syrian regime has made shocking claims regarding the fate of Austin Tice, an American journalist who disappeared in Syria over a decade ago. Major General Bassam Al Hassan alleges that the now-ousted President Bashar al-Assad ordered Tice's execution. This revelation has emerged as part of an in-depth investigation by the BBC, which is preparing to release a podcast detailing Tice’s disappearance.
Austin Tice, who was 31 years old when he was abducted near Damascus while working as a freelance reporter, has been considered missing since August 2012. The Syrian government has consistently denied any knowledge of his whereabouts, but investigative reports suggest otherwise, indicating that Tice was being detained in the capital.
Al Hassan, who previously held high-ranking positions within the Assad regime, reportedly oversaw the facility where Tice was imprisoned. He is currently facing sanctions imposed by various Western nations and is believed to have met with US law enforcement multiple times in Lebanon, where he allegedly disclosed information regarding Tice's fate.
During these meetings, Al Hassan claimed that he initially attempted to persuade Assad against executing Tice. However, he ultimately relayed the execution order, asserting that it was carried out. He has also purportedly offered potential locations for where Tice’s remains may lie, prompting ongoing FBI investigations into the validity of his claims.
Despite these serious allegations, intelligence experts are wary of Al Hassan's assertions regarding Assad's direct involvement, arguing that the Syrian leader typically utilizes indirect methods to distance himself from such orders.
As the 13th anniversary of Tice's disappearance approaches, his mother, Debra Tice, has not lost hope. Following Al Hassan's testimonies, she sought to meet him, wishing for answers about her son. Unfortunately, her attempts were unfruitful. Debra has been fervent in her advocacy for her son’s return, maintaining her belief that he is still alive.
A former National Defence Forces member acquainted with Tice’s capture hinted that the journalist's significance could have been exploited for diplomatic negotiations with the US. Meanwhile, Al Hassan, once one of Assad's most trusted aides, reportedly fled to Iran after the regime's fall and was subsequently invited to meet US officials under the assurance of no detention.
Past US administrations have expressed their belief that Tice is alive. Most recently, President Biden stated that they think they can secure his return, although no direct evidence has surfaced to confirm his status. Hidden Syrian intelligence documents have also detailed Tice’s imprisonment under the Assad regime, adding further complexity to an already convoluted situation.
