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BREAKING
Local sources: Civilians, including children and women, were injured in the al-Maqous neighborhood of Sweida, in Syria, as a result of ongoing clashes
Israeli media outlet: Security incident reported in the Gaza Strip
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson: No new date or venue has been set for the meeting between Araghchi and Witkoff, and no negotiations will take place until the outcome is guaranteed
Palestinian platforms: Settlers storm Al-Aqsa Mosque complex under the protection of the occupation police
Palestinian platforms: The IOF detonated a booby-trapped robot east of the al-Zaytoun neighborhood, south of Gaza City
Syrian Defense: We call on all parties in Sweida to cooperate with security forces and exercise restraint
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: The Lebanese Army is continuing its investigations and will later announce any information that does not affect the confidentiality of the investigation
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: It has not yet been determined whether the detainees belong to ISIS or another organization
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: Around 10 people of different nationalities, including Lebanese nationals, were detained
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: The Lebanese army arrested a number of people in the Matn area of Mount Lebanon with possession it has not disclosed

'Experience wasn't too bad' says American freed from Syria prison

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Agencies
  • 12 Dec 2024 18:41
3 Min Read

A man identified as Travis Timmerman was found after being freed from a prison in Syria by the new regime forces.

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  • Travis Timmerman, a U.S. citizen who had entered Syria from Lebanon, is seen in Syria on December 12, 2024 (AFP)
    Travis Timmerman, a U.S. citizen who had entered Syria from Lebanon, is seen in Syria on December 12, 2024. (AFP)

A man identifying himself as Travis Timmerman, an American from Missouri, has surfaced in Syria after reportedly escaping from prison amid the recent upheaval caused by the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad.

Timmerman, 29, claimed he was freed earlier in the week when the new regime forces overran the prison where he had been for more than six months. 

In an interview with CBS News, Timmerman said he entered Syria without permission seven months ago after spending time in Lebanon. His stated purpose was a Christian spiritual journey.

Upon his detention, he endured what he described as relatively humane treatment, though he was restricted in movement and faced limited access to facilities.

"The experience wasn't too bad," Timmerman said, adding, "The worst part was not being able to go to the bathroom when I wanted." He recounted that two armed men broke down his cell door, marking the start of his escape.

After leaving the prison alongside a large group, Timmerman began a journey toward Jordan, relying on locals for food and shelter. He expressed gratitude for the help he received, noting that people approached him to offer assistance during his trek.

Related News

Russia in talks over military bases in Syria with new government

Tensions ease in Sweida as all detainees released amid mediation

The US government confirmed awareness of the case and stated it was working to provide support. Details remain limited, with officials citing privacy concerns.

Timmerman had been listed as missing in both Hungary and the US earlier this year, with reports indicating he was last seen in Budapest in June. His unexpected appearance in Syria has raised questions about his journey and the circumstances of his detention.

As of now, Timmerman said his focus has been on basic survival. "I still haven't really processed that I'm free," he admitted.

HTS takeover

The Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group has swiftly consolidated its authority over Syria, demonstrating the same rapid pace that characterized its takeover of the country, Reuters reported.

The group has deployed police forces, installed an interim government, and initiated meetings with foreign envoys, prompting concerns about the inclusivity of Damascus’ new leadership, the news agency pointed out.

Since HTS ousted Bashar al-Assad on Sunday as part of an alliance, its officials—formerly running an Islamist administration in a remote corner of northwestern Syria—have taken over government offices in Damascus.

On Monday, Mohammad al-Bashir, previously head of the regional government in HTS-controlled Idlib, was appointed as Syria’s interim prime minister. This move underscored HTS' dominance among the armed factions that fought for over 13 years to end al-Assad's rule.

Though HTS severed its ties with the al-Qaeda terrorist organization in 2016, it had assured tribal leaders, local officials, and civilians during its advance toward Damascus that minority faiths would be protected.

  • Syria
  • Regime change in Syria
  • United States
  • New regime forces

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