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Arab News
14 hours ago
- General
- Arab News
Missing US journalist Austin Tice was detained by Assad regime despite denials, BBC claims
LONDON: Top-secret Syrian intelligence files have confirmed that missing American journalist Austin Tice was held in detention by the regime of Bashar Assad, the BBC claimed on Monday, marking the most definitive evidence yet tying the former regime to his disappearance. Tice, a former US Marine turned freelance journalist, vanished in August 2012 near Darayya, a suburb of Damascus, just days after his 31st birthday while reporting on the escalating conflict. For years, the Syrian regime has consistently denied any involvement. However, files obtained by the BBC — alongside testimonies from former Syrian officials — appear to corroborate longstanding suspicions by US authorities that the Assad regime was behind his abduction. The documents include internal communications between branches of Syrian intelligence that explicitly name Tice and detail aspects of his detention following his capture near the capital, the BBC claimed. Shortly after his disappearance, the only public evidence of Tice's status came in the form of a video posted online showing him blindfolded, surrounded by armed men, and reciting the Islamic declaration of faith. Although the footage suggested extremist involvement, US intelligence at the time raised doubts about its authenticity, with one analyst calling it possibly 'staged.' In early 2013, Reuters reported that 'an American man, dressed in ragged clothing,' was seen attempting to escape through the streets of Damascus' upscale Mazzeh neighborhood before being recaptured after more than five months in captivity. He has not been seen since, and no group has ever claimed responsibility for holding him. The BBC's investigation, part of a long-running project for Radio 4, claimed that Tice was held in a regime-run detention facility believed to be the notorious Tahouneh prison in Damascus. A former senior Syrian intelligence officer testified that Tice was detained by the pro-Assad National Defence Forces 'until at least February 2013.' According to the report, Tice suffered from stomach problems while in the NDF's captivity and was treated by a doctor at least twice, including for a viral infection. A witness who saw him during detention said Tice 'looked sad' and 'the joy had gone from his face,' though he was reportedly treated more humanely than Syrian inmates due to his perceived value. A former member of the NDF, described by the BBC as having 'intimate knowledge of Austin's detention,' said the regime saw Tice as a 'card' to be used in negotiations with the US. The files also confirm that he attempted to escape through a window but was quickly apprehended and later interrogated at least twice, the BBC claimed. These newly uncovered documents appear to be the first hard evidence directly tying the Assad regime to Tice's imprisonment, undermining more than a decade of Syrian denials. The investigation was conducted in collaboration with a Syrian war crimes investigator, who granted BBC reporters access to the intelligence archive. Despite the collapse of the Assad regime in December, no trace of Tice was found among the prisoners released. Yet hope remains. In the immediate aftermath, then-US President Joe Biden reiterated his belief that Tice was still alive. That view was echoed by Nizar Zakka, head of a US-based hostage advocacy group, who claimed Tice was likely being held by 'very few people in a safe house in order to do an exchange or a deal.' Two days before Biden's remarks, Tice's mother, Debra, said a 'significant source' had confirmed her son was alive and being treated well. In early May, she told The Washington Post that the US government was aware of his location, though no further details were disclosed. President Donald Trump also placed a spotlight on the case during his recent visit to the Gulf. After meeting the Syrian Arab Republic's new president, Ahmed Al-Sharaa, in Riyadh, Trump told reporters, 'Austin has not been seen in many, many years,' without elaborating. The comment came days after Sky News Arabia falsely reported that Tice's body had been discovered in a cemetery in northern Syria, a claim the family condemned as 'deeply disrespectful.' The Tice family, who have led a decade-long campaign for answers, are aware of the new evidence, as are US officials and Syrian human rights groups. Tice, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan before studying law at Georgetown University, is believed to be one of the longest-held American hostages in history. According to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, more than 100,000 people disappeared during Assad's rule.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Marine restrains man allegedly trying to open plane's emergency exit during flight
A U.S. Marine heading back to the states from Tokyo, Japan, quickly stepped in and slammed a man to the ground and restrained him with zip ties after he allegedly grabbed the emergency exit door in the middle of a flight, according to reports. NBC reported Sergeant Major Jody Armentrout was on Flight 114 from Tokyo to Houston when he saw a man acting suspiciously. Armentrout, who has been in the Marines over 20 years, is stationed in Japan, and he told the media company he witnessed a suspicious man take his backpack to one bathroom before going from bathroom to bathroom. "He came out of that one and began pacing up and down the aisle, so that just threw my radar on," the 50-year-old Marine reportedly said during a phone interview. American Airlines Passenger Restrained, Knocked To Floor While Barging Into Cockpit: Video Armentrout said the man was looking at the emergency exit door next to him, and that's when the Marine quickly got up and placed himself between the man and the door. Read On The Fox News App The suspicious man turned around and ran around the plane before darting to an exit door on the opposite side of the aircraft. Armentrout told the station he only had seconds to act. Woman Climbs Onto Wing Of Alaska Airlines Plane At Seattle Airport Due To 'Anxiety' "He grabbed a strap around the door, pulled it off and about that time is when I took him and slammed him, put him on the ground," he said. "And then there was an older gentleman sitting on that side that woke up, and he got up and kind of helped me." Flight attendants also stepped in and handed the marine zip ties, which he reportedly used to restrain the man's wrists and secure him to a seat. For the remainder of the flight, Armentrout sat next to the man. The flight was diverted to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Enraged Passenger Unloads Flurry Of Punches On Airport Worker, Wild Video Shows "His eyes … you could definitely tell there was something going on," Armentrout said. FBI Seattle confirmed the incident, saying it, along with the Port of Seattle Police Department, responded to All Nippon Flight 114 Saturday morning. "The flight was diverted to Seattle due to a passenger attempting to open the exit doors mid-flight," FBI Seattle said. "The crew and passengers restrained the individual, who was transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation after the flight landed. The FBI also said a second individual was removed from the flight after becoming frustrated with the flight diversion and punching a bathroom door. American Airlines Passenger Who Helped Restrain Unruly Traveler Says Situation Was 'Fight Or Flight' The flight continued to its destination after its stop in Seattle and landed in Houston without further incident. No charges have been filed in the incident, the FBI said. Prosecutors are reviewing reports and witness statements to determine if the case is appropriate for federal prosecution. All Nippon Airways told Fox News Digital the flight was diverted due to an "unruly" passenger. "While on the tarmac in Seattle, a second passenger became unruly," the airline said. "Both were removed from the flight by the Port of Seattle Police. "The safety of our passengers and crew are our top priority, and we applaud the efforts of local law enforcement for their support."Original article source: Marine restrains man allegedly trying to open plane's emergency exit during flight
Fox News
3 days ago
- General
- Fox News
Marine restrains man allegedly trying to open plane's emergency exit during flight
A U.S. Marine heading back to the states from Tokyo, Japan, quickly stepped in and slammed a man to the ground and restrained him with zip ties after he allegedly grabbed the emergency exit door in the middle of a flight, according to reports. NBC reported Sergeant Major Jody Armentrout was on Flight 114 from Tokyo to Houston when he saw a man acting suspiciously. Armentrout, who has been in the Marines over 20 years, is stationed in Japan, and he told the media company he witnessed a suspicious man take his backpack to one bathroom before going from bathroom to bathroom. "He came out of that one and began pacing up and down the aisle, so that just threw my radar on," the 50-year-old Marine reportedly said during a phone interview. Armentrout said the man was looking at the emergency exit door next to him, and that's when the Marine quickly got up and placed himself between the man and the door. The suspicious man turned around and ran around the plane before darting to an exit door on the opposite side of the aircraft. Armentrout told the station he only had seconds to act. "He grabbed a strap around the door, pulled it off and about that time is when I took him and slammed him, put him on the ground," he said. "And then there was an older gentleman sitting on that side that woke up, and he got up and kind of helped me." Flight attendants also stepped in and handed the marine zip ties, which he reportedly used to restrain the man's wrists and secure him to a seat. For the remainder of the flight, Armentrout sat next to the man. The flight was diverted to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. "His eyes … you could definitely tell there was something going on," Armentrout said. FBI Seattle confirmed the incident, saying it, along with the Port of Seattle Police Department, responded to All Nippon Flight 114 Saturday morning. "The flight was diverted to Seattle due to a passenger attempting to open the exit doors mid-flight," FBI Seattle said. "The crew and passengers restrained the individual, who was transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation after the flight landed. The FBI also said a second individual was removed from the flight after becoming frustrated with the flight diversion and punching a bathroom door. The flight continued to its destination after its stop in Seattle and landed in Houston without further incident. No charges have been filed in the incident, the FBI said. Prosecutors are reviewing reports and witness statements to determine if the case is appropriate for federal prosecution. All Nippon Airways told Fox News Digital the flight was diverted due to an "unruly" passenger. "While on the tarmac in Seattle, a second passenger became unruly," the airline said. "Both were removed from the flight by the Port of Seattle Police. "The safety of our passengers and crew are our top priority, and we applaud the efforts of local law enforcement for their support."
Japan Times
26-05-2025
- Japan Times
U.S. Marine arrested for Okinawa hit-and-run that injured four
Police have arrested a 20-year-old U.S. Marine stationed at Camp Hansen in Okinawa Prefecture after allegedly fleeing the scene of a car crash that injured four people, including two elementary schoolchildren. Lance Cpl. Ivan Garciamartinez was taken into custody Sunday by Okinawa Prefectural Police on suspicion of negligent driving resulting in injury in violation of the road traffic law. He is accused of causing a collision on National Route 58 in the city of Naha around 10:30 a.m. on Sunday and failing to provide assistance to the victims. The suspect denied part of the allegations, according to police, telling investigators 'It's not true that I failed to help the injured.' Garciamartinez's breathalyzer test showed an alcohol level approximately twice the legal limit, police said. Authorities are considering additional charges related to drunk driving as the investigation continues. According to police, Garciamartinez was driving a passenger car when he struck a water tank situated between the main road and a side road, then collided with another vehicle driven by a 39-year-old woman. Her husband, also 39, and their children — a 10-year-old daughter and 7-year-old son — were in the car and suffered minor injuries. Police allege the suspect left the scene without offering assistance. Translated by The Japan Times
NHK
26-05-2025
- NHK
Okinawa police arrest US Marine allegedly involved in hit-and-run accident
Police officers in Okinawa have arrested a US Marine who is believed to have been involved in a hit-and-run accident in the southern Japanese prefecture. The officers say 20-year-old Marine Lance Corporal Ivan Garciamartinez is stationed at the Marine Corps' Camp Hansen. They say he was driving a car that collided with another passenger vehicle in Naha City at around 10:30 a.m. on Sunday. Four people in the passenger car, including a 7-year-old boy and a 10-year-old girl, sustained minor injuries. Garciamartinez allegedly abandoned the car and fled the scene. The police officers searched for the suspect in nearby areas. They spotted the US serviceman and arrested him about one hour after the accident. The suspect told investigators that he did cause the crash, but he denied some of the allegations. He claimed that he did not fail to provide first-aid. The police officers say the suspect's alcohol level was about double the legal limit. Investigators suspect he was driving under the influence of alcohol.
