The whereabouts of Austin Tice remain unknown. Family believes Houston native, who was taken by Syrian forces 12 years ago, could still be alive.

HOUSTON, Texas — The family of Austin Tice, a Marine veteran and Houston native, is eagerly anticipating developments after receiving new information suggesting that he might still be alive, despite being captured by Syrian forces ten years ago.

Tice’s parents, Debra and Marc, shared insights on the matter on Friday. While choosing not to disclose the identities of their sources, they confirmed that these sources had been thoroughly scrutinized by the US government.

Austin is a published American journalist who went missing in 2012 after he passed through a checkpoint in a contested area located west of Damascus.

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As noted on the family’s website, Austin was working as a freelance journalist, providing coverage of the country’s enduring civil conflict for esteemed publications such as the Washington Post.

Weeks later, a video surfaced of a blindfolded Austin, signaling the last time he was seen alive.

Twelve years later, they are now pushing for his release.

Texas Senator John Cornyn mentioned the journalist after the release of a different American citizen who China was holding.

The development comes amid Syria’s government falling after being taken over by rebels, ending a 50-year rule of the Assad family.

RELATED: Syrian government falls in stunning end to 50-year rule of Assad family