President Joe Biden reaffirmed Sunday that the U.S. government believes Austin Tice, an American journalist who disappeared in Syria in 2012, is still alive. Biden pledged continued efforts to locate Tice and bring him home following the recent collapse of Bashar Assad’s regime in Damascus.

“We think we can get him back,” Biden told reporters at the White House, adding that while there is “no direct evidence” of Tice’s current status, efforts remain ongoing. “Assad should be held accountable,” he added.

Tice, a journalist from Houston, was last seen in August 2012 at a checkpoint near Damascus in a contested area. A video released weeks later showed him blindfolded and in captivity, pleading, “Oh, Jesus,” but he has not been heard from since. Syria has consistently denied holding him.

Despite a lack of new evidence, U.S. officials continue to operate under the assumption that Tice is alive. According to an anonymous official, the United States is working to determine his location and secure his release.

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Tice’s mother, Debra, recently stated at a Washington news conference that a credible source provided information confirming her son’s well-being. “He is being cared for and he is well — we do know that,” she said.

Debra Tice urged the Syrian public to assist in reuniting her son with his family. “When he comes out, he’s going to need care and direction. Please, help him find his way back to us,” she said in remarks amplified by hostage advocacy groups on social media.

The Tice family met with U.S. officials at the State Department and the White House last week, maintaining hope for Austin’s safe return after more than a decade.

Source: With inputs from agencies