WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military has safely transported Travis Timmerman, 29, out of Syria after he was released from the notorious prison system of former President Bashar al-Assad. Timmerman had disappeared seven months ago and was among the thousands of prisoners freed by Syrian rebels during the recent upheaval. A U.S. official confirmed his rescue on Friday, stating he was flown out on military helicopters.
Timmerman was rescued earlier this week as the situation rapidly deteriorated for Assad, who had lost control of Damascus, showing just how quickly circumstances shifted during the recent rebellion. Official sources say Timmerman was handed over to U.S. troops at the Tanf garrison, which sits near Syria’s border with Iraq and Jordan, before being transported to safety.
“I was freed by the liberators who came... knocked the door down with a hammer,” Timmerman recounted, referring to the moment of his release. This dramatic escape involved not just him, but also alongside another young Syrian man and around 70 female prisoners, some of whom had their children with them.
According to various reports, Timmerman entered Syria from Lebanon back in June, on what was initially intended to be a Christian pilgrimage. After his unlawful crossing, he was apprehended by Syrian authorities and ended up at the Palestine Branch, known for its horrific detention conditions and history of torture. Despite the facility's grim reputation, Timmerman stated he was not ill-treated during his detention — though conditions were hardly comfortable.
During his seven months, Timmerman described his living situation as moderately tolerable. “I was fed. I was watered,” he said, but he also noted the difficulties he faced, including limited access to the bathroom, and hearing the torture of others. “The one difficulty was I couldn’t go to the bathroom when I wanted to,” Timmerman added. It became evident through his remarks, as he discussed the calls to prayers he used to mark the days, how much he had to rely on his routine for psychological sustenance.
After the dramatic fall of Assad's regime, rebel forces successfully stormed the prison facility, leading to the liberation of many detainees, including Timmerman. He expressed gratitude to his rescuers following his release and told American officials he would like to stay within the region for the time being. His family, based out of Urbana, Missouri, expressed immense relief over his return. A cousin described Travis's release as “the best Christmas gift.”
Timmerman’s ordeal and subsequent liberation come as U.S. officials and humanitarian organizations continue to seek answers about other missing individuals, including Austin Tice, who has been unaccounted for since 2012. With the recent disruption to Assad's regime and the freeing of many prisoners from beneath its rule, advocates hope for renewed efforts to locate Tice and those like him. Many Syrians are now searching prisons for any information about loved ones as the political climate shifts.
This remarkable tale of resilience and survival highlights both the perils encountered by individuals caught within the crossfire of geopolitical struggles and the precarious situations many Americans find themselves under foreign regimes. The recent events demonstrate how quickly fortunes can change and underline the importance of international vigilance and humanitarian efforts.
While Travis Timmerman has returned home, his experiences remind us of the systemic issues surrounding detainees and the need for continued advocacy as political dynamics evolve across Syria.
