American photographer held hostage in Syria freed with Russian help
An American photojournalist who was held hostage in Syria for four years has been released with the help of Russia and handed over to American authorities through that country.
According to FCNN, Kevin Patrick Dawes, 33, was captured in 2012 after entering Syria through the Turkish border.
US officials told the Washington Post that although the Syrian government never confirmed Mr. Dawes' capture, the US believes he was captured by government forces or militia groups affiliated with the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
The US State Department announced on Friday (April 8) that Kevin Patrick Dawes had been returned to the United States through Russian authorities.
Washington has thanked Moscow for this.
Russia is a close supporter of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in the Syrian civil war, now in its sixth year.
The Czech Republic, which protects American interests in Syria, has also contributed to the process of this liberation.
At the same time, US State Department spokesman John Kirby said that Washington and Prague are exploring options for the release of Austin Tice and another US citizen whose fate is unknown.
Mr. Tice, a journalist, went missing in Syria in the summer of 2012. He was seen with his eyes closed in a video released shortly after his disappearance, but no news of his condition has been released since.
Source: BBC Persian
