Biden Calls for Release of American Journalist Austin Tice on 12th Anniversary of His Abduction

President Joe Biden has renewed calls for the immediate release of Austin Tice, an American journalist and former Marine who was abducted in Syria 12 years ago. In a statement released on Wednesday, Biden emphasized the importance of press freedom and the critical role journalists play in informing the public. He reiterated the U.S. government's ongoing efforts to engage with the Syrian government to secure Tice's release, stating, "We have repeatedly pressed the government of Syria to work with us so that we can, at last, bring Austin home." Secretary of State Antony Blinken also addressed Tice's situation, confirming that U.S. authorities believe he is being held by the Syrian government. Blinken urged the Syrian regime to cooperate with the U.S. to end Tice's captivity and account for other missing Americans in Syria. He highlighted Tice's mission to reveal the truth about the conflict in Syria, asserting that the U.S. will not relent in its pursuit of his release. Despite U.S. claims, the Syrian government has consistently denied holding Tice or any other American citizens, labeling the allegations as "baseless." Tice disappeared while covering the Syrian civil war in August 2012, shortly after his 31st birthday. The U.S. government has maintained that it knows with certainty that Tice is in Syrian custody, a claim that has been met with denials from Syrian officials. As the anniversary of Tice's abduction passes, the Biden administration continues to seek diplomatic avenues to secure his release, amidst a backdrop of strained U.S.-Syria relations.