US urges Syria's HTS group to help locate missing journalist Austin Tice

Freelance journalist Austin Tice, who went missing in Syria in 2012 and has not been heard from since. (Photo via Getty Images)

The United States has requested Syria’s Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group to aid in locating and freeing missing American journalist Austin Tice as it liberates prisons following the overthrow of deposed dictator Bashar al-Assad, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said Tuesday.

Key developments on Austin Tice situation

Tice’s return, a priority: Miller stated that Washington is making it clear to all parties in Syria that the return of Austin Tice, abducted in 2012, is a top U.S. priority.
Message to HTS: The U.S. has conveyed through intermediaries that HTS, which led the anti-regime offensive that ousted Assad, should assist in locating Austin Tice during their operations in Syria.

We want anyone operating in Syria to be vigilant for Austin Tice and ensure his safe return.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller

The leader of Syria's Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group that headed a lightning rebel offensive snatching Damascus from government control, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, arrives inside the Syrian capital's landmark Umayyad Mosque to address a crowd gathered there on December 8, 2024. - Jolani, now using his real name Ahmed al-Sharaa, gave a speech as the crowd chanted "Allahu akbar (God is greatest)," a video shared by the rebels on their Telegram channel showed. (Photo by Aref TAMMAWI / AFP)The leader of Syria's Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group that headed a lightning rebel offensive snatching Damascus from government control, Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, address a crowd at the capital's landmark Umayyad Mosque on December 8, 2024. - Jolani, now using his real name Ahmed al-Sharaa, gave a speech as the crowd chanted "Allahu akbar (God is greatest)," a video shared by the rebels on their Telegram channel showed. (Photo by Aref TAMMAWI / AFP)

Background on HTS and US stance

HTS, designated by the U.S. as a terrorist group, has publicly stated its intentions to respect minorities and religious freedoms in newly liberated territories.

However, Miller emphasized that the U.S. will judge the group by its actions rather than words. He refrained from commenting on any potential changes to HTS’ designation.

High-level engagements

President Joe Biden has affirmed his belief that Austin Tice is alive, deploying hostage envoy Roger Carstens to the region to intensify efforts for his release.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken held talks with leaders from Jordan, the UAE, Qatar, and Egypt to discuss Syria’s political transition and the formation of a credible, inclusive, and non-sectarian government.

US position on Syria’s future

Blinken reiterated U.S. support for Syria’s political transition, advocating for governance that aligns with international standards of transparency and accountability.

December 16, 2024 04:48 PM GMT+03:00