The Syrian Emergency Task Force (SETF), a U.S. non-profit, has launched an on-the-ground search for missing Americans in Syria following the collapse of the Assad regime. Led by Executive Director Mouaz Moustafa, a team of seven is navigating the newly accessible landscape of Damascus, hoping to unearth clues regarding the whereabouts of individuals like Austin Tice and Dr. Majd Kamalmaz. Tice, a freelance journalist, vanished in 2012 while reporting near Damascus. Kamalmaz, a psychotherapist specializing in trauma recovery, disappeared after being detained at a checkpoint in 2017. While U.S. officials believe Kamalmaz perished within Syria’s prison system, the fate of Tice remains uncertain, clinging to the hopes of his family and organizations like SETF. This new phase of the search, empowered by the regime change, allows SETF unrestricted access to locations previously off-limits, promising a more exhaustive investigation.
The SETF’s mission is fueled by a combination of hope and determination. Moustafa expresses a fervent desire to locate both Tice and Kamalmaz, as well as other unnamed Americans who may be held captive. The team is pursuing various leads and tips, including specific geolocations, and are committed to a thorough investigation, leaving no stone unturned. For Tice, the search is driven by the recognition of his courageous reporting on the Syrian civil war and the suffering of its civilians. Moustafa emphasizes the moral imperative to find Tice, highlighting his selfless commitment to documenting the conflict’s devastating impact. The hope of reuniting him with his family fuels their relentless pursuit.
The long-standing suspicion that the Assad regime held American detainees as bargaining chips adds a layer of complexity to the search. Experts like former U.S. special envoy for Syria, Joel Rayburn, believe the regime possesses crucial information regarding the fate of these missing individuals but has remained uncooperative. This strategic withholding of information has further complicated efforts to locate and repatriate American captives, highlighting the political maneuvering often intertwined with humanitarian concerns. The SETF’s current search, facilitated by the regime’s downfall, presents a unique opportunity to uncover truths previously suppressed.
The U.S. government is actively involved in the search for Austin Tice, offering a substantial reward of $10 million for information leading to his recovery. The State Department has also engaged with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a prominent Syrian rebel group, urging their cooperation in locating the missing journalist. This multifaceted approach demonstrates the government’s continued commitment to finding Tice and bringing him home. The collaboration with HTS, a group with a complex and often controversial history, underlines the gravity of the situation and the lengths to which the U.S. is willing to go to secure Tice’s release.
A recent report in The Sunday Times has provided a new lead in the search for Austin Tice. A Syrian journalist, formerly imprisoned by the Assad regime, claims to have been held with Tice in a Damascus jail until as recently as 2022. This information has galvanized the SETF team, who plan to investigate the mentioned location as a priority. This potential breakthrough underscores the importance of continued investigation and the pursuit of every possible lead. The ongoing efforts, combined with new information, offer a renewed sense of hope for Tice’s family and those dedicated to his safe return.
The search for missing Americans in Syria remains a complex and challenging undertaking. The SETF’s current mission, enhanced by the changed political landscape, presents a significant opportunity to uncover the truth behind their disappearances. From pursuing specific geolocations to following up on recent eyewitness accounts, the team is driven by a resolute commitment to finding answers. The combined efforts of the SETF, the U.S. government, and other involved parties symbolize a collective determination to bring these missing Americans home, finally providing closure to their families and holding those responsible accountable. The hope remains that this renewed search will finally bring answers and, ideally, reunite these individuals with their loved ones.
