A former Syrian military official claims President Bashar al-Assad ordered the execution of American journalist Austin Tice in 2013, but the Trump administration has yet to confirm any physical evidence to substantiate the account.
At a Glance
- Syrian defector Bassam al-Hassan claims Assad ordered Tice’s execution after a failed escape
- Burial sites were reportedly shared with U.S. officials but remain unverified
- Tice’s parents reject the claim and continue to believe he is alive
- Trump administration intelligence agencies are actively investigating the allegations
- No definitive conclusion has been made public
A New Witness in a Cold Case
Bassam al-Hassan, a former high-ranking Syrian general now cooperating with U.S. officials, has told investigators that Assad gave direct orders to kill Austin Tice in 2013 after Tice temporarily escaped detention. He also identified two possible burial sites near Damascus, though forensic teams have not yet recovered any remains.
This marks the first direct allegation from someone inside the Assad regime, more than a decade after Tice vanished while reporting in Syria.
Family Response and Ongoing Investigation
Tice’s parents, Marc and Debra, strongly dispute the claim. They believe the defector is attempting to shift blame and insist their son may still be held alive. Debra Tice publicly requested access to Hassan and dismissed the account as lacking credibility.
Watch a report: Ex-commander claims Assad ordered Austin Tice’s execution.
A Trump-Led Inquiry
Since President Donald Trump returned to office in January 2025, the case has been handled by his administration. Intelligence officials have neither confirmed nor denied Hassan’s account, but sources say U.S. agencies are following up on all leads, including site inspections and further interviews.
The broader question remains: if Tice is deceased, why has the Syrian government never disclosed that? And if he is alive, where—and why—is he still being held?
The Road Ahead
The Trump administration’s national security team continues to pursue the case. While the testimony from al-Hassan provides potential new direction, until physical evidence emerges, Austin Tice’s fate remains tragically uncertain. His story—now entering its thirteenth year—remains a haunting symbol of the risks faced by journalists and the families left in limbo.
