Mother of Abducted US Journalist Returns to Syria Amid Renewed Hopes for Search

Debra Tice, the mother of Austin Tice, a US journalist abducted in Syria in 2012, revisits the country to rekindle hope in the search for her son as new political dynamics emerge following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime.

Debra Tice recently returned to Syria after ten years to reignite the search for her son Austin Tice, a freelance journalist abducted in 2012 while covering the Syrian civil war. With the recent upheaval following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's government, Debra expressed a sense of urgency and uncertainty, stating, "We have no idea where he is now. It feels a little bit like square one, trying to figure that out again."

Austin Tice, now 43, gained notoriety as one of the longest-held American hostages after his capture in the suburb of Darayya, where he was last seen in a distressing video shortly post-abduction. Although no specific entity has assumed responsibility for his disappearance, US officials have long suspected that he was held by Assad’s government. Reports suggest that Tice may have briefly escaped before being recaptured.

In the wake of the recent political shift in Syria, Debra is hopeful to gather more information, especially following President Biden's statement that Tice is still alive. The rebellion led by the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) has released numerous prisoners, allowing for possible new leads regarding Tice and others who are missing.

During her visit, Debra met with Ahmed al-Sharaa, the de facto leader of post-Assad Syria. She maintained her unwavering belief that Tice would eventually come home, sharing her determination to connect with families of other missing individuals. Her last visit to Syria was in 2015, after which travel restrictions made it difficult for her. Now, she has observed a noticeable change within the country, noting, "people are more relaxed" and expressing her desire to bring her son home.

As Debra continues her search, she carries a message of hope, emphasizing the importance of solidarity among families enduring similar struggles. “I'm here to be with people that understand the longing," she said, vowing to keep fighting until Austin—and others—are brought back to their families.