Mother of Missing Journalist Austin Tice Holds Press Conference in Syria’s Damascus 

Debra Tice, mother of missing American journalist Austin Tice, speaks at a press conference in Damascus.
Debra Tice, mother of missing American journalist Austin Tice, speaks at a press conference in Damascus.

By Kardo Roj

DAMASCUS, SYRIA (North Press) – Debra Tice, the mother of missing American journalist Austin Tice, held a press conference in Damascus on Monday alongside Nizar Zakka, the head of Hostage Aid Worldwide, to discuss ongoing efforts to locate her son, who disappeared in 2012.

Austin Tice, now 43 years old, was abducted in August 2012 while traveling in Darayya, a suburb of Damascus. The regime of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad never admitted to detaining Tice, leaving his fate shrouded in uncertainty for over a decade.

During the press conference, Debra Tice shared updates on her meetings with Syria’s new leadership, expressing cautious optimism about potential progress in the search for her son.

“A New Chapter in Efforts to Find Austin”

Debra Tice revealed that on Sunday, she met with the head of Syria’s new administration at the Presidential Palace in Damascus. While details of the discussion were not disclosed, Tice noted that Syrian officials assured her they were actively working to locate her son.

“The new Syrian administration has given me hope by confirming they are committed to finding Austin,” Tice stated, emphasizing her determination to keep searching until her son is found.

The meeting marks a significant step, as it is the first time Debra Tice has engaged directly with Syrian authorities since the regime change.

Appeal to the U.S. Administration

Debra Tice also called on the new U.S. administration under President Donald Trump to prioritize efforts to bring Austin home. She acknowledged that Trump’s team had already reached out to her, signaling potential cooperation in the case.

“I am hopeful that President Trump’s administration will fulfill its commitment to securing Austin’s release. They have contacted me, and I believe their involvement will be instrumental in this process,” she said.

A Decade of Uncertainty

Austin Tice, a freelance journalist who contributed to prominent outlets such as The Washington Post, CBS, and AFP, was reporting on the Syrian civil war when he disappeared. His last known location was in Darayya, an area heavily affected by the conflict at the time.

Over the years, Debra Tice has tirelessly advocated for her son’s return, meeting with international leaders and raising awareness about his case. Despite years of uncertainty, she remains steadfast in her belief that Austin is still alive.

A Symbol of Press Freedom

Austin Tice’s case has become emblematic of the dangers journalists face while covering conflicts, particularly in Syria, one of the most perilous countries for media workers. His disappearance underscores broader concerns about press freedom and the targeting of journalists in conflict zones.

Debra Tice’s latest efforts have reignited hope that the new political landscape in Syria could pave the way for progress in locating Austin.

While the international community awaits further developments, Debra Tice’s determination continues to inspire advocates for press freedom and the families of those missing in conflict zones.