US Intensifies Efforts to Locate Kidnapped Journalist Austin Tice Following Assad’s Fall
In the wake of President Bashar al-Assad’s fall, the U.S. government has ramped up efforts to gather information about American journalist Austin Tice, who was kidnapped in Syria in 2012. U.S. Special Envoy Roger Carstens has arrived in the Beirut area to investigate Tice’s whereabouts. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the U.S. commitment to securing Tice’s return, noting that the government is ready to engage with anyone who has information. Tice’s mother has received reports of his good treatment, while President Joe Biden stated that Tice is believed to be held by the Syrian regime.