Netanyahu Assures Family of Missing Journalist: No Bombing in Syria
The mother of missing journalist Austin Tice, Debra Tice, reached out to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding her son’s situation. In a letter sent to Netanyahu, Mrs. Tice expressed her concern and shared that she had “reliable information” suggesting that her son might be held in a prison near Damascus. She pleaded with Netanyahu to refrain from launching airstrikes on locations where her son might be located.
According to reports from Axios, Netanyahu responded to Mrs. Tice’s letter by providing assurance that Israel and its intelligence agencies are working closely with American authorities on the matter. He also stated that the Israeli army is not active in the area where Austin is believed to be held.
Austin Tice was kidnapped at a checkpoint near Damascus on August 14, 2012, while covering the Syrian civil war as a freelance journalist. A video showing Tice blindfolded and held by an unidentified armed group was released shortly after his abduction, but no group has claimed responsibility for his kidnapping.
Despite efforts by the US State Department to negotiate his release with Syrian officials, there has been no significant progress in locating or securing the safe return of the journalist. The Tice family continues to hope for Austin’s safe return and urges for continued support in efforts to bring him home.
The case of Austin Tice remains a priority for both his family and the international community, as they work tirelessly to ensure his safe return and reunite him with his loved ones.
