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U.S. freelance photographer released by Syrian government: report

Xinhua, April 9, 2016 Adjust font size:

The Syrian government has freed an American freelance photographer who was abducted after traveling to the country in 2012, U.S. media reported on Friday.

Kevin Patrick Dawes, 33, was released following many months of negotiations, The Washington Post reported, citing two officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Officials said the Czech Republic, which represents American interests in Syria, played a role in talks with the Syrians. The United States closed its embassy in Damascus in 2012 as the civil war intensified.

The Post said Dawes's release is believed to be a positive sign in securing the freedom of freelance journalist Austin Tice, another American hostage and former U.S. Marine who disappeared in Syria in 2012.

U.S. State Department spokesman John Kirby on Friday confirmed that an American had been released.

"While privacy considerations prevent us from commenting further, we continue to work through our Czech protecting power in Syria to get information on the welfare and whereabouts of Austin Tice and other U.S. citizens missing and detained in Syria," Kirby said in a statement. Enditem