Cautious optmism that Syrian turmoil will lead to Austin Tice's release

Hopes for Austin Tice returning home after being detained in Syria for more than 12 years are increasing after the fall of Bashar Assad’s regime over the weekend. 

President Joe Biden told reporters on Sunday that he believes Austin Tice, an award-winning freelance reporter and a veteran U.S. Marine Corps officer, is alive and able to come home. 

"We believe he's alive. We think we can get him back," he told reporters. "We have to, we want to get him out. We have to identify where he is."

A senior administration official told reporters that efforts are being made to find Austin including a $1 million reward.

"We were determined to do everything we possibly can to find Austin and return him to his family," the official said during a press call. 

Biden's comments come a few days after Austin's mom, Debra Tice, said Austin was alive and being cared for, citing a vetted source.  

Debra, her husband Marc, Austin's six siblings, as well as other family members gathered in D.C. for a marathon of meetings with the White House, State Department, FBI and others who are helping in their case.

They visited the National Press Club twice on Friday, once for a satellite media tour and again for a press conference following their meeting with National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan. 

"We are eagerly anticipating seeing Austin walk free," Debra and Marc Tice said in a statement. "We are asking anyone who can to do so to please assist Austin so he can safely return home to his family."