Story perspectives
Assad authorized Austin Tice kidnapping, intelligence files confirm
By Drooid · · How we work
1 of 1
Story summary
- Syria's National Defence Forces, led by Bassam al-Hassan, abducted journalist Austin Tice.
- Driver Hamid Abu Obeid told senior NDF member Sakr Rustom about Tice’s movements.
- Rustom passed the tip to his uncle Bassam al-Hassan, who called President Bashar al-Assad.
- Assad allegedly replied, “Bring him to us,” and authorized the kidnapping.
- Secret intelligence files uncovered after the 2024 regime collapse confirm the regime held Tice, though no remains were found.
