A top U.S. official traveled to Syria on Friday to seek assistance from the government in finding Austin Tice, an American journalist and former Marine who disappeared over a decade ago while reporting on the Syrian conflict.
Roger Carstens, the U.S. special presidential envoy for hostage affairs, visited Syria with a primary mission: to meet with several officials in the Syrian caretaker government.
While U.S. officials have engaged with Syrian authorities remotely or through intermediaries, Carstens’ visit underscores the evolving diplomatic priorities in the region.
Austin Tice, an independent journalist, was last seen in August 2012. He was covering the civil unrest that had escalated into a full-blown civil war in Syria.
His subsequent disappearance has been a point of concern and frustration for consecutive U.S. administrations.
Several reports have speculated that the Syrian government or allied groups might have detained him, though official confirmation remains elusive.
Despite several high-level efforts, little progress has been made in locating or securing Tice’s release.
Previous administrations had attempted various strategic and diplomatic routes to resolve the matter.
President Biden’s administration, since taking office, has prioritized the case, with Carstens taking a leading role in the negotiations and discussions related to Tice’s whereabouts.
Details about the nature and specifics of the discussions remain under wraps. However, the State Department communicated the U.S.’s unwavering determination in locating Tice and reuniting him with loved ones.