Major General Bassam Al Hassan, a former Syrian commander, has alleged that President Assad ordered the execution of missing journalist Austin Tice, who vanished in 2012. Despite skepticism surrounding the claims, investigations are ongoing as Tice’s mother remains hopeful for her son's return.
Allegations of Execution: New Claims in Austin Tice Case from Ex-Syrian Commander
Allegations of Execution: New Claims in Austin Tice Case from Ex-Syrian Commander
A former Syrian military official suggests that ousted President Assad ordered the execution of the missing American journalist Austin Tice, stirring renewed hope and skepticism in his family's search for answers.
In a shocking revelation, Major General Bassam Al Hassan, a former commander in the Syrian Republican Guards, has claimed that President Bashar al-Assad ordered the execution of missing American journalist Austin Tice. This assertion comes from security sources who spoke to the BBC and is part of an upcoming BBC Radio 4 podcast exploring Tice’s mysterious disappearance.
Tice, who was a freelance journalist, went missing in August 2012 near Damascus, shortly after his 31st birthday. His family has been on a relentless quest for answers since, with the Assad regime consistently denying any knowledge of Tice's fate. However, a recent BBC investigation indicated that Tice was being held in the capital city and that Al Hassan oversaw the facility during that time.
Sources have revealed that Al Hassan, now under sanctions from the UK, EU, Canada, and the US, met with American officials in Lebanon earlier this year, disclosing that he had initially attempted to prevent Assad from carrying out the execution order. He reportedly provided information about possible locations for Tice's remains. Despite this disturbing claim, some Western intelligence officials cast doubt on whether Assad would directly issue such orders, given his history of distancing himself from violent actions.
Tice's mother, Debra, recently traveled to Beirut as the anniversary of her son’s disappearance approaches. She expressed a deep desire to speak with Al Hassan and obtain more information about her son’s fate, describing her efforts to connect with him as unsuccessful. Debra remains resolute in her belief that Tice is alive, stating, “I am his mother; I still believe that my son is alive and that he will walk free.”
The situation is further complicated by insights from a former NDF member, who claimed that Tice's captivity could be leveraged in future diplomatic negotiations between the US and Syria. After fleeing to Iran post-revolution, Al Hassan was contacted and allowed to meet with US officials in Lebanon, where it is believed he was assured of his safety.
Presidents over the years have maintained that Tice remains alive, including President Biden in late 2024, emphasizing ongoing hopes of securing his return despite the lack of direct evidence. As investigations continue and claims unfold, the Tice family holds on to hope amid the uncertainty surrounding Austin Tice’s fate.
Tice, who was a freelance journalist, went missing in August 2012 near Damascus, shortly after his 31st birthday. His family has been on a relentless quest for answers since, with the Assad regime consistently denying any knowledge of Tice's fate. However, a recent BBC investigation indicated that Tice was being held in the capital city and that Al Hassan oversaw the facility during that time.
Sources have revealed that Al Hassan, now under sanctions from the UK, EU, Canada, and the US, met with American officials in Lebanon earlier this year, disclosing that he had initially attempted to prevent Assad from carrying out the execution order. He reportedly provided information about possible locations for Tice's remains. Despite this disturbing claim, some Western intelligence officials cast doubt on whether Assad would directly issue such orders, given his history of distancing himself from violent actions.
Tice's mother, Debra, recently traveled to Beirut as the anniversary of her son’s disappearance approaches. She expressed a deep desire to speak with Al Hassan and obtain more information about her son’s fate, describing her efforts to connect with him as unsuccessful. Debra remains resolute in her belief that Tice is alive, stating, “I am his mother; I still believe that my son is alive and that he will walk free.”
The situation is further complicated by insights from a former NDF member, who claimed that Tice's captivity could be leveraged in future diplomatic negotiations between the US and Syria. After fleeing to Iran post-revolution, Al Hassan was contacted and allowed to meet with US officials in Lebanon, where it is believed he was assured of his safety.
Presidents over the years have maintained that Tice remains alive, including President Biden in late 2024, emphasizing ongoing hopes of securing his return despite the lack of direct evidence. As investigations continue and claims unfold, the Tice family holds on to hope amid the uncertainty surrounding Austin Tice’s fate.
