Khaberni - The American network "CNN" revealed, in an extensive investigation, that former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had issued a direct order to execute American journalist Austin Tice in 2013, based on the testimony of his former military advisor Bassam al-Hassan, who had detained him following his disappearance in Syria in 2012.
The network's team managed to reach al-Hassan in Beirut, after he fled from Syria following the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024.
The network clarified that al-Hassan spoke for the first time to the media, in an interview recorded by their team with hidden cameras, stating clearly: "Of course Austin is dead. Austin is dead," confirming that his execution was carried out on Assad's personal order.
Al-Hassan added, "I don’t want to protect Bashar because he abandoned us, nor do I want to protect Russia or Iran, as the Americans believe they are related to the case, but this is about Bashar alone."
He confirmed that he had conveyed the execution order to one of the leaders of the Iran-backed National Defense Forces militia, noting that the execution was carried out in 2013, and that the responsible officer now lives in Russia.
According to the network, al-Hassan was a prominent figure in the Syrian regime, having served as military advisor to Assad and established the National Defense militia that committed widespread violations during the war. He had been sanctioned by the United States and the European Union since 2011, and France issued an arrest warrant against him in 2023 on charges related to war crimes and the use of chemical weapons against civilians.
The search for Austin continues
Despite 13 years since his disappearance, the Tice family has not stopped demanding to know his fate.
His mother Debra Tice said in a statement sent to CNN: "Austin is alive, and we look forward to seeing him free." She stated that she does not believe al-Hassan's claims, describing him as a "pathological liar."
On its part, US sources explained that the case is still under investigation, noting that the FBI is gathering evidence on the ground in Syria in coordination with the new government in Damascus.
The network quoted an informed source as saying, "This is not merely a search for a body, but a federal criminal investigation aimed at achieving justice."
