Ex-Syrian General: Assad Ordered Tice Execution

Bassam al-Hassan, a former top Syrian general and close aide to Bashar al-Assad, told U.S. investigators that ousted President Assad ordered the execution of American journalist Austin Tice in 2013 following Tice's attempted escape from prison. Hassan, who claims to have initially advised keeping Tice alive as leverage, says he ultimately relayed Assad's execution order and has provided suggested grave sites. U.S. officials and Tice's family remain skeptical of Hassan's account, noting the lack of corroborating evidence and questioning his motives. The FBI and CIA are actively investigating Hassan's claims and searching the locations identified. Former President Biden stated in late 2024 that the U.S. still believed Tice might be alive, a belief echoed by the Tice family amid ongoing unconfirmed reports of his survival. The case remains unresolved, with American authorities continuing their efforts to find definitive answers about Tice’s fate.