Major general claims Assad ordered execution of American journalist Austin Tice

In Syria, a former commander alleged that U.S. journalist Austin Tice, who vanished in August 2012, was executed under the orders of the then-President Bashar al-Assad. Major General Bassam Al Hassan, who was in charge during Tice's captivity, made this claim during meetings with U.S. intelligence officials in Lebanon. Tice, who was working as a freelance journalist, was taken by forces believed to be linked to Assad’s government. His mother has campaigned tirelessly for over a decade to bring him home, maintaining her belief that he is still alive. Al Hassan, previously Chief of Staff of the National Defense Forces, the group linked to Tice’s abduction, reportedly shared this information to U.S. CIA and FBI officials during discussions aimed at investigating Tice's disappearance. However, skepticism surrounds Al Hassan’s claims, with Western officials pointing out the strategic reasons behind his statements, doubting that Assad would give direct orders that could compromise his plausible deniability in such high-stakes matters. Tice's mother, Debra, expressed doubt about Al Hassan's account, suggesting that he may have fabricated the story to satisfy U.S. authorities. She aims to keep hope alive for her son’s return, emphasizing that she believes he will walk free one day. Moreover, other experts and former military personnel have pointed out that the journalist had significant worth as a bargaining chip in possible diplomatic negotiations involving the U.S., hinting at a more complex situation behind his abduction. Amidst these developments, Al Hassan found refuge in Iran, escaping from Syria after the regime's downfall in December 2024. His discussions with U.S. officials mark the latest attempt in an ongoing investigation, which remains active while his family continues to seek answers about his fate. The case has garnered international attention and emphasizes the challenges faced by families of missing individuals in conflict zones, illustrating both the perilous nature of journalistic work and the political complexities involved in such cases.