The family of Austin Tice, a journalist and US Marine Corps veteran, reported that he has been missing in Syria for over 12 years, and they recently received news that his body was found.
This report surfaced in local media and briefly appeared on a news website. While international efforts led by Qatar to locate prisoners of war previously held by ISIS continue, there is currently no evidence linking Tice to the remains found. Those close to his situation indicate he was not held by ISIS and was not in the vicinity where the body was discovered. His family expressed in December that they still have strong belief that he is alive.
A spokesperson for the Tice family stated, “We appreciate all ongoing missions helping families of ISIS victims find closure. However, the early false report regarding Austin’s identification was quick and completely contradictory.”
Tice, aged 43, worked as a freelance photographer and journalist. He traveled to Damascus in August 2012, having previously served as a Marine captain in Afghanistan. In May 2012, he arrived in Syria as an independent journalist during his last year at Georgetown Law School. No group has claimed responsibility for his abduction.
The FBI is offering rewards up to $1 million for any information leading to Tice’s safe return.
