Identity Revealed of American Found in Rural Damascus

Identity Revealed of American Found in Rural Damascus
Finding American Citizen Timmerman in Rural Damascus Renewed Spotlight on Missing Journalist Austin Tice Case, Detained for 12 Years
December 12, 2024, 10:38 pm

سفارة الأمريكية في دمشق

Al-Arabiya and Al-Hadath correspondent Taher Baraka clarified identity of American citizen found in Rural Damascus as Travis Timmerman, not missing journalist Austin Tice as initially rumored.

Timmerman told channels he came to region on spiritual journey, noting irregular entry to Syria from Lebanon 7 months ago, adding: "I was prisoner in Damascus for 7 months."

While media sources initially suggested finding Tice in Diyabiyah area of Rural Damascus, known for Hezbollah presence, Syria TV denied this information, confirming person found is American citizen from Missouri.

US State Department told Al-Arabiya and Al-Hadath: "We're aware of American citizen found outside Damascus," adding seeking support provision while continuing search for Tice and other Americans in Syria.

Journalist Tice's fate remains mysterious since August 2012 disappearance near Damascus, appearing five weeks later in short video detained by group his family described as "unusual obvious militants."

Tice's mother Deborah recently confirmed family possessing US government-verified information confirming son's survival, expressing frustration with Biden administration awaiting Syria developments.

Hostage's father Mark Tice revealed unproductive State Department meeting amid responsibility accusations for case progress obstruction.

Recent Syria developments, especially armed factions' control and prison openings in Aleppo and Hama, opened new prospects for revealing Tice's fate, despite security scene complexity concerns.

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