A former high-ranking Syrian security official has reportedly told the FBI that American freelance journalist Austin Tice was killed in 2013 on the direct orders of President Bashar al-Assad. This testimony, provided by Bassam al-Hassan, marks the first instance of a senior official from the Assad regime discussing Tice’s fate with U.S. authorities. While U.S. officials confirm that they are investigating Hassan’s claims, they have yet to corroborate his account.
Hassan, who worked closely with Assad as an adviser on strategic affairs, recounted his interactions with the FBI and CIA during interviews conducted in Beirut over several days in April. According to reports, he stated that he was ordered by Assad to execute Tice, a decision he allegedly attempted to prevent. Despite these claims, sources close to the investigation suggest that Hassan may be distancing himself from culpability, with assessments of his account being viewed as credible.
Marc Tice, Austin’s father, expressed skepticism towards Hassan’s allegations, branding him a mass murderer and emphasizing his distrust in the accuracy of Hassan’s statements. Meanwhile, Tice’s family maintains hope, believing their son could still be alive, citing multiple testimonies from individuals claiming to have seen him after his capture.
Tice vanished in August 2012 while reporting on the Syrian civil war, and his case has remained a priority for multiple U.S. administrations, although the Assad regime has consistently denied holding him. Following the overthrow of the Assad government in late 2022, the Tice family saw a renewed opportunity for resolution, as the new regime appears more open to U.S. cooperation in addressing the case.
Hassan’s claims have caught the attention of U.S. officials, with the FBI reported to be pursuing leads based on the information he provided regarding the potential location of Tice’s remains in the Damascus area. However, the absence of concrete evidence regarding Tice’s status has led U.S. intelligence to shift their assessments over the years.
Debra Tice, Austin’s mother, remains tenacious in her pursuit of answers. Following a recent visit to Rome where she received a blessing from Pope Leo XIV, she expressed hope that her son is still alive and continues to advocate for his case with leaders globally. The family’s efforts have not only drawn attention to Tice’s situation but have also highlighted the broader issues of hostage diplomacy and the challenges of negotiating with the Assad regime.
As the 13th anniversary of Tice’s disappearance approaches, the Tice family continues to seek answers and justice, holding on to hope amidst the uncertainty.