Travis Timmerman, a 29-year-old American who had been detained in Syria, has been successfully evacuated to Jordan by the U.S. military. Timmerman, a Missouri native, had been held captive in the infamous prisons of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for over six months. His family and military defense officials confirmed his release and subsequent evacuation.
Timmerman had journeyed to Syria for what he described as “spiritual purposes.” His trip began in Europe, from where he traveled to the Middle East, eventually crossing into Syria. His journey, however, took a turn for the worse when he was arrested and imprisoned by the Syrian government.
His release came about as the Assad regime crumbled, with rebel fighters, armed with AK-47s, liberating him from his captors. Following his release, he was airlifted out of the country by a U.S. military helicopter.
The news of Timmerman’s release initially sparked speculation that he might be Austin Tice, an American journalist who disappeared in 2012 while reporting on the anti-Assad uprising in Damascus during the early stages of the Syrian civil war. However, these speculations were put to rest when Timmerman identified himself.
Timmerman revealed that he had been detained seven months prior after crossing the border into Syria from Lebanon without official permission. He described his journey from Europe to Lebanon and then to Syria as a religious pilgrimage.
Timmerman’s ordeal underscores the dangers faced by Americans traveling in volatile regions. His safe return is a testament to the efforts of the U.S. military and the changing political landscape in Syria.