Syrian general Bassam Hassan, a former top security adviser under Bashar al-Assad, has reportedly informed US investigators that American journalist Austin Tice, missing since 2012, is deceased. Hassan alleged that Assad ordered Tice’s execution, though these claims are unverified. Tice, a former marine and freelance journalist, was abducted in Damascus in 2012 and briefly escaped before being recaptured and held in a detention center under Hassan’s control.

US officials have long suspected Hassan’s involvement in Tice’s disappearance and view him as a valuable intelligence source on various matters. Conflicting reports on Tice’s status have emerged over the years. Hassan, sanctioned by the US in 2014 for arms procurement, is also wanted by French authorities for alleged involvement in sarin gas attacks.

After rebel forces captured Damascus in 2024, Hassan fled to Iran with Iranian assistance before voluntarily traveling to Lebanon. Despite diplomatic efforts and a CIA-led taskforce, Tice’s whereabouts remained unknown. Recent intelligence files and admissions from Syrian officials have shed new light on Tice’s imprisonment, providing hope for resolution.

Tice’s family continues to search for him, expressing love and determination. The case remains complex, with ongoing investigations and international implications. The quest for answers in Tice’s disappearance underscores the challenges faced by journalists working in conflict zones and the importance of seeking justice for those who have vanished.