The mother of American journalist Austin Tice has arrived in Damascus to intensify efforts to locate her son, who disappeared over a decade ago while reporting in Syria. Debra Tice’s visit, her first since 2015, marks a renewed push for answers following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024.
Accompanied by Nizar Zakka, the head of Hostage Support Worldwide, Debra Tice expressed hope that her trip would bring her closer to discovering her son’s fate. “It would be great to hold Austin while I’m here. That would be the best,” she said. “I feel so strongly that Austin is here, and I think he knows that I’m here.”
Renewed Access & New Leadership
Debra Tice’s ability to visit Damascus follows nearly a decade of being denied visas by the Assad regime. The ousted government repeatedly denied any knowledge of Austin’s whereabouts. Now, with Syria under new leadership led by Ahmad al-Sharaa, the family is cautiously optimistic about gaining cooperation from the Syrian authorities, who have pledged to do what they can to assist in Tice’s safe return.
During her stay, Debra Tice plans to meet with Syrian officials, including al-Sharaa, to press for information about her son. Zakka, whose organization is actively involved in the search for hostages worldwide, shares her belief that Austin remains in Syria.
Hope in a New US Administration
The timing of Debra Tice’s visit coincides with the upcoming inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump. Tice voiced confidence in Trump’s ability to negotiate for her son’s release. “I know that President Trump is a skilled negotiator, so I have a lot of confidence in him,” she said.
However, she acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the new Syrian administration’s knowledge of Austin’s fate. “It’s difficult to know whether the newcomers have information about Austin,” she added.
A Personal & Shared Struggle
Debra Tice’s journey reflects a deeply personal mission that resonates with many Syrians who continue to search for loved ones detained or disappeared under the former regime. Speaking from Damascus, she shared her empathy for Syrian families. “I cried when I learned there were tens of thousands of Syrians imprisoned and missing. I feel a lot in common with Syrian mothers and families, especially in the hope of meeting their children again.”
Austin Tice, a 43-year-old former US Marine and freelance journalist, disappeared in August 2012 while reporting for outlets such as CBS and The Washington Post. He was last seen at a checkpoint near Damascus. A month after his disappearance, a video emerged showing him blindfolded and handcuffed in the presence of armed captors.
International Advocacy
Debra Tice’s visit has drawn attention from international and regional actors. Before arriving in Damascus, she met with former Lebanese General Security Director Abbas Ibrahim, who had been involved in efforts to locate Austin. Ibrahim described the case as “a symbol of human suffering that must not be absent from the world’s conscience.”
US officials and advocacy groups have consistently called for Austin’s release, maintaining that his case highlights broader issues of press freedom and human rights.
A Renewed Push for Answers
For Austin’s mother, Debra, the opportunity to step back into Syria brings both hope and uncertainty. Her visit reflects the resilience of a family’s search for justice and closure in the face of years of silence. As Syria’s new leadership navigates a transitional period, the case of Austin Tice serves as a poignant reminder of the personal and political scars left by the Assad regime. Whether this visit will bring answers remains to be seen, but for Debra Tice, the journey is one of relentless hope. “I’m here for Austin,” she said simply. “And I will not give up.”
