US Organization: Austin Tice Still Held in Syria

ARK News.. The head of a U.S.-based organization focused on hostage recovery has stated his belief that American journalist Austin Tice is still being held in Syria by individuals loyal to Bashar al-Assad.

Nizar Zakka, president of the Hostage Support Organization, told Reuters during his visit to Damascus:
"We believe Tice is being held by a very small number of people in a safe house, likely awaiting an exchange or a deal."

Zakka explained that investigations conducted by the organization have concluded that Tice remains in Syria, and "significant progress" has been made in recent weeks toward locating him.

However, he noted that Syria's new administration has not provided substantial assistance. He added:
"We had hoped that Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham would assist us more, but unfortunately, they have not due to their own concerns."

Zakka admitted he does not have precise information on Tice's exact location but believes that a deal, potentially involving pressure from Assad's ally Russia, could lead to the journalist's release.

Tice was detained at a checkpoint in Darayya near Damascus in August 2012. Reuters previously reported that Tice escaped his cell in 2013 and was seen moving between houses in the upscale Mazze neighborhood of Damascus.

According to current and former U.S. officials, he was recaptured shortly after his escape, likely by forces reporting directly to Assad.

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