The relatives of a US journalist who has been detained in Syria for the past 12 years express their “tremendous hope” for his safe return amidst the “turmoil” ensuing from the collapse of Bashar al Assad’s administration.
Austin Tice is believed to have been abducted near Damascus in August 2012 while reporting on the Syrian civil conflict.
The freelance reporter was 31 years old back then.
His siblings shared with The World with Yalda Hakim on Sky News that a “void has existed in the family” since his disappearance, yet they have never relinquished their hope for his return.
Now, following the collapse of Assad’s regime amid a popular uprising in Syria, Mr Tice’s family is optimistic that the 43-year-old can finally be liberated.
His sister, Abigail Edaburn, indicated that the family has recently received assurances of life from reliable contacts, while US President Joe Biden affirmed that his administration believes Mr Tice is still alive.
In an interview with Yalda Hakim, the journalist’s brother Jacob Tice stated: “We are aware that extensive efforts are being made right now to locate him throughout Syria and Damascus.”
“We know there are individuals on the ground who care deeply for Austin. There are those dedicated to bringing him home, and they are currently working with great determination to achieve this.”
“This brings us immense hope and optimism. We once again urge anyone who may be listening, anyone who hears this message, to assist in reuniting Austin with us and restoring him to his family.”
Syria news update: Rebel leader tells Sky News that Western apprehensions are ‘unwarranted’
Jacob Tice and Abigail Edaburn, the brother and sister of missing US journalist Austin Tice
The family recounted being together on a vacation when Mr Tice’s replies ceased, leading them to suspect he had likely been seized.
“There has been a vacancy in our family that has emerged over the past 12 years during every Christmas, every graduation, throughout our weddings, and during the births of my sister’s children whom he has yet to meet, save one,” Jacob remarked.
“It’s challenging to articulate the feelings when we gather, knowing he is not present at our table. Our deepest wish as a family is to fill that void and to see him again so he can reclaim his place at our table.”
Abigail was queried about whether the family had observed the rebel uprising and the collapse of the Assad administration with concern for her brother.
She responded: “It has been daunting, yet it’s also been deeply hopeful because we have witnessed families reuniting.”
“We’ve seen so many families restored. Thus, we are profoundly hopeful that this moment will also bring about a reunion for our family.”
Pic: AP
Discover more from Sky News:
Emerging evidence of Assad’s campaign
What prompts Israel’s airstrikes on Syrian airbases?
Nonetheless, Jacob emphasized that the family has maintained their optimism over the previous 12 years.
“We have held onto the belief every single day that Austin will be released. Each day, we have been confident that the moment of his freedom is approaching and that we will be reunited with him,” Jacob conveyed.
“In this unique juncture in Syria’s narrative, I believe the atmosphere surrounding that hope has shifted. The urgency we feel as a family has intensified as we understand that amidst chaos, there are prospects for transformation, chances to reset the established order and alter the prevailing circumstances.”
“Yet, concerning the past 12 years, yes, we have perpetually believed that we would be reunited with our brother.”
On Sunday, the FBI released a statement announcing a $1 million (£780,000) reward offered for information leading to Mr Tice’s “safe location, recovery and return.”
During a briefing at the White House on Sunday, President Biden stated that his administration believes Mr Tice is still alive, but they are working to verify his whereabouts in a country grappling with the struggle for stability following the swift downfall of the Assad regime.
