A former Syrian military leader has made explosive claims about the Austin Tice disappearance case. Major General Bassam Al Hassan, once a top aide to ousted President Bashar al-Assad, reportedly told U.S. investigators that Assad personally ordered Tice’s execution.
These allegations while probing Tice’s 2012 vanishing. Moreover, the Austin Tice disappearance case has remained unresolved for over a decade. The journalist disappeared near Damascus in August 2012 while reporting as a freelancer.
Al Hassan allegedly supervised the detention center where Tice was held. Earlier this year, he met with U.S. officials in Lebanon. During these talks, he claimed Assad directly commanded Tice’s killing. Sources say Al Hassan first objected but later followed orders.
Additionally, he reportedly identified potential burial sites for Tice’s remains. However, Western intelligence remains skeptical. Analysts argue Assad rarely issues such commands directly. Instead, he typically uses proxies to distance himself.
Meanwhile, Tice’s mother, Debra, traveled to Beirut seeking clarity. She tried to confront Al Hassan but failed. “I just want to ask him about my son,” she told reporters. She suspects Al Hassan fabricated his story to help the FBI close the Austin Tice disappearance case.
Despite the disturbing allegations, Debra refuses to lose hope. “I still believe Austin is alive,” she insisted. U.S. officials, including former President Biden, have long maintained that Tice could still be alive.
A former Syrian paramilitary member revealed new insights. He said Tice was viewed as a bargaining chip. His captors may have planned to use him in future negotiations with Washington.
After Syria’s regime collapsed, Al Hassan fled to Iran. Later, U.S. officials allegedly summoned him to Lebanon. They promised he wouldn’t face arrest. Currently, the FBI is verifying his claims and planning searches for Tice’s remains.
As the 13th anniversary of Tice’s disappearance approaches, questions linger. Yet, new developments keep hope alive. The world now waits as investigators dig deeper into the Austin Tice disappearance case.
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