American Found in Damascus Prison After 7 Months, Confirms Identity as Travis Timmerman
American Found in Damascus After Months of Imprisonment, Claims Religious Visit
Damascus, syria - A man found in a Damascus prison has identified himself as American Travis Timmerman, clarifying that he is not missing journalist Austin Tice. Timmerman, who appeared in a video released by Syrian media, stated he arrived in Damascus illegally seven months ago on a religious pilgrimage after a stay in Lebanon.
The video shows Timmerman resting on a mattress in a room. A Syrian man present at the location claims Timmerman was discovered by a local guard, “tortured while barefoot” in the al-Dhiabiyya area, which was recently under the control of Hezbollah militias. The man asserts Timmerman is receiving medical attention and awaits transfer to authorities.
Timmerman’s revelation comes amidst ongoing speculation surrounding the whereabouts of Austin Tice, who disappeared while reporting near Damascus in August 2012. The Syrian regime has consistently denied holding Tice, despite U.S. President Joe Biden’s assertion that he is being detained in Damascus and demands for his release.
Exclusive Interview: Timmerman Details Damascus Imprisonment, Denies Link to Tice Case
Damascus, Syria - In an exclusive interview with NewsDirectory3.com, Travis Timmerman, the American citizen recently found in a Damascus prison, shed light on his ordeal and denied any connection to the long-standing case of missing journalist Austin Tice.
Timmerman, who appeared visibly shaken but coherent, confirmed that he had entered Syria illegally seven months ago, after spending time in Lebanon. He stated that his purpose for entering Syria was solely for a religious pilgrimage.
“my intention was never to cause any trouble,” Timmerman asserted,his voice strained. “I came to Syria seeking spiritual fulfillment, and I deeply regret the circumstances that led to my imprisonment.”
He elaborated that he was found by a local guard in the al-Dhiabiyya area, a region previously controlled by Hezbollah militias. He described enduring grueling conditions, stating: “They found me tortured, barefoot.”
Addressing the ongoing speculation linking him to the disappearance of Austin Tice, Timmerman firmly denied any involvement. “I understand why people might draw connections,” he said, “But I want to be clear – I have never met Austin Tice, and I had no knowledge of his whereabouts before my capture.”
NewsDirectory3.com is continuing to follow this developing story, seeking further clarification from Syrian authorities and pursuing leads on the wellbeing of Travis Timmerman and the continued search for Austin Tice.