Biden calls for ‘immediate release’ of US journalist Austin Tice from Syria

Syrian government denies claims that Tice, who vanished while reporting in Daraya 12 years ago, is being held captive

Joe Biden has called for the immediate release of Austin Tice, the American journalist and former marine who disappeared in Syria in 2012, and who US authorities believe is being held by the Syrian government.

This week marks 12 long, terrible years since American Austin Tice was abducted in Syria," the US president said on Wednesday. We have repeatedly pressed the government of Syria to work with us so that we can, at last, bring Austin home. Today, I once again call for his immediate release."