Debra Tice, the mother of missing American journalist Austin Tice, expressed hope that the incoming Trump administration will support efforts to find her son, who disappeared in Syria in 2012. Although she did not present new findings from her recent visit to Syria, she stated that both American and Syrian leadership changes give her hope for Austin’s return. Austin, a journalist who reported on the Syrian civil war, was reportedly held by the Syrian government, which denied such claims. Debra last visited Syria in 2015 to meet with authorities about her son, who has not been confirmed to be in their custody. U.S. Special Envoy Roger Carstens also traveled to Lebanon to gather more information on Austin’s whereabouts.
Debra mentioned that the Trump administration, including individuals like national security advisor Mike Waltz and Special Presidential Envoy Adam Boehler, have reached out to help find her son. She met with Syria’s new leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, expressing optimism that his government will assist in uncovering more information about Austin. Despite having received Intel that suggested Austin was alive and being well taken care of before Bashar al-Assad’s regime fell, his current whereabouts remain unclear. Debra praised the dedication of the new Syrian leadership to bring her son home and expressed love for the country. She also expressed frustration with the outgoing Biden administration for not negotiating more for Austin’s release. Debra plans to wait and pray as new developments unfold in the search for her son.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com
