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Claims Surface Regarding Missing Journalist Austin Tice: Assad Allegedly Ordered Execution
Security sources have revealed to the BBC that a man implicated in the disappearance of American journalist Austin Tice has alleged that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad ordered his execution. The developments in the Austin Tice case, who went missing in Syria in 2012, are generating renewed interest as his family and officials continue the search. The focus is on claims made by a former Syrian commander regarding the fate of the missing American journalist.
Bassam Al Hassan’s Allegations
Major General Bassam Al Hassan, formerly a high-ranking commander in the Republican Guards and a close associate of President Assad, has made the startling claim. He also served as Chief of Staff of the National Defence Forces (NDF), the paramilitary group previously identified by a BBC investigation as responsible for holding Austin Tice following his 2012 abduction.
Background of the Disappearance
Austin Tice, a freelance journalist, disappeared near Damascus in August 2012, shortly after his 31st birthday. He was reportedly leaving Syria when he was taken. Despite consistent denials from the Syrian regime regarding his whereabouts, investigations suggest Austin Tice was held in Damascus.
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Al Hassan’s Role and Meetings with US Officials
Al Hassan, who is under sanctions from multiple Western nations, reportedly oversaw the facility where Austin Tice was detained. Earlier this year, he reportedly met with US law enforcement officials in Lebanon on at least three occasions, with at least one meeting taking place at the US embassy complex.
Details of the Alleged Execution Order
During these discussions, Al Hassan reportedly informed FBI and CIA investigators that President Assad ordered the execution of Austin Tice. Sources told the BBC that Al Hassan claims he initially attempted to dissuade President Assad from this action but eventually relayed and carried out the order.
Possible Locations of Tice’s Remains
Al Hassan is believed to have provided potential locations for the journalist’s remains. The FBI is currently working to validate these claims and plans to search the identified sites.
Skepticism Surrounding the Claims
Western intelligence sources are reportedly skeptical that President Assad would personally issue such an order, noting his known practice of distancing himself from such actions.
Debra Tice’s Response and Continued Search
As the 13th anniversary of her son’s disappearance approaches, Debra Tice, Austin Tice’s mother, traveled to Beirut with the BBC. Upon learning of Al Hassan’s discussions with US officials, she sought assistance from the US embassy in an attempt to meet with Al Hassan. Debra Tice expressed the desire to speak with him “as a mother and ask him about my son,” but her efforts were unsuccessful.
- When questioned about Al Hassan’s claims, she expressed suspicion that he “fed the FBI a story that they wanted to hear” to help them close the case.
- Debra Tice remains committed to finding her son, stating: “I am his mother, I still believe that my son is alive and that he will walk free.”
Former NDF Member’s Perspective
Separately, a former member of the NDF with detailed knowledge of Austin Tice’s detention told the BBC “that Austin’s value was understood” and that he was a “card” that could be played in diplomatic negotiations with the US.
Al Hassan’s Background and Movements
Considered a trusted advisor to President Assad, Bassam Al Hassan reportedly fled to Iran after the collapse of the Syrian regime in December. Sources suggest that while in Iran, Al Hassan received a phone call requesting his presence in Lebanon for meetings with US officials, with assurances against detention.
Previous Statements by US Presidents
US presidents have consistently maintained that Austin Tice, a former US Marine captain and Georgetown University law student, was alive. In December 2024, President Joe Biden told reporters, “we believe he’s alive,” and that “we think we can get him back, but we have no direct evidence of that yet”.