On December 13, 2024, Secretary of State Blinken stated in Jordan that the U.S. is working to repatriate an American citizen detained in Syria. Blinken discussed political transition issues in Syria during the meeting in Jordan.
Blinken, in Aqaba, said in an interview with the media, “The American citizen discovered today, I cannot provide specific details, but I can say we are working to bring him back to the country and get him out of Syria.”
When pressed by the media, Blinken stated, “For privacy reasons, I cannot disclose more details.”
White House spokesperson John Kirby mentioned in an earlier briefing that the U.S. was previously unaware of the man’s presence in Syria. Kirby said, “We just learned of this news and are currently working to confirm his identity. The State Department will do everything necessary to handle this matter.”
According to CBS, the American male citizen has been identified as Travis Timmerman. He was detained seven months ago in Syria for illegally entering the country for “spiritual purposes” related to Christianity.
Timmerman, who claims to be an American from Missouri, was released by the Syrian opposition group Sham Liberation Organization this week. The Syrian opposition group spent 11 days and on December 8, entered the capital Damascus, overthrowing the 54-year rule of the Assad dictatorship in Syria.
Timmerman’s mother, Stacey Collins, told Reuters that after her son had been missing for seven months, she had thought he was dead. Collins expressed deep despair upon hearing about her son’s disappearance, but regained hope upon learning he was still alive and held captive, eagerly anticipating the success of the White House in bringing him home.
“I really, really thought he was dead. But I don’t want to give up. I don’t want to give up on my son,” Collins said, expressing her excitement upon hearing the news of her son’s survival.
On the other hand, Blinken mentioned that the U.S. is looking for another American citizen, Austin Tice.
Tice is a former U.S. Marine and freelance journalist who was abducted while reporting in Damascus in August 2012, at the age of 31.
Blinken stated, “There are no updates on Austin Tice, I can only say that we are working every day to find him and bring him home, ensuring that everyone knows this is a top priority for the U.S.”
President Biden stated on the 8th that the U.S. government believes Tice is still alive.
Recent reports suggest that Tice may be in Iran.
In response, White House spokesperson Kirby stated that Washington is actively seeking more information on Tice through diplomatic channels and various contacts. He said, “We are doing everything we can to understand more about Austin Tice, including having numerous discussions with different individuals.”