Biden Urges Release of Austin Tice

President Joe Biden has renewed calls for the immediate release of Austin Tice, an American journalist and former Marine who was abducted in Syria in 2012. Marking the 12th anniversary of Tice's disappearance, Biden emphasized that the U.S. has repeatedly urged the Syrian government to cooperate in securing his release. Secretary of State Antony Blinken echoed these sentiments, stating that the U.S. government knows Tice is being held by Syria and has offered various solutions for his return. Despite these efforts, the Syrian government has consistently denied holding Tice and has been uncooperative in resolving the case. The Biden administration has successfully negotiated the release of other Americans held abroad, adding pressure for a resolution in Tice's case. The FBI has also offered a $1 million reward for information leading to Tice's safe return.