This weekend marks five years since Houston journalist Austin Tice was taken captive in Syria.
Since then, his parents have been to the Middle East several times to try and secure his release.
5 years ago, journalist Austin Tice was kidnapped in Syria. Today, his 36th birthday, this banner hangs outside the @Newseum #FreeAustinTice pic.twitter.com/AhyzJ9qbGI
— Newseum Institute (@NewseumInst) August 11, 2017
CBS This Morning spoke with Marc and Debra Tice earlier on Friday and they stressed that they are "100 percent positive" their son is still alive.
“No doubt. And it's not just us. It's not just parental wishes. That's the assessment of everybody involved in his situation”, Marc Tice said on the show.
AUSTIN TICE PARENTS-Glor CTM PKG FRI0145-Today is birthday of missing US journalist Austin Tice. His parents are hopeful he may be released. pic.twitter.com/mZxjf4Ro7T
— CBS Newspath (@cbsnewspath) August 11, 2017
The Tices believe the Trump Administration is treating his case with extra attention.
Today is his 36th birthday.
Austin Tice turns 36 today. Send him a message & remind him we're always thinking of him. #HappyBirthdayAustin! https://t.co/ydOOi0mOd8 pic.twitter.com/70ubqHUqa9
— RSF in English (@RSF_en) August 11, 2017