American Therapist’s Death in Syria Confirmed by U.S. Intelligence

WASHINGTON, May 18, 2024 — U.S. officials have confirmed with highly credible intelligence that Majd Kamalmaz, an American psychotherapist from Texas who disappeared in Syria seven years ago, has died. His daughter, Maryam Kamalmaz, disclosed this information following a meeting with senior American officials in Washington earlier this month.

Majd Kamalmaz, 59 at the time, vanished in February 2017 after being detained at a Syrian government checkpoint in a suburb of Damascus during a visit to an elderly family member. Despite earlier indications in 2020 that suggested he died from heart failure shortly after his capture, his family continued to hold out hope.

Maryam Kamalmaz stated that the intelligence confirming her father’s death underwent several levels of verification, providing a confidence level of “a high nine” out of ten. U.S. officials believe his death occurred early in his captivity. She did not reveal specific details regarding the intelligence provided.

Representatives from the White House and the FBI have not immediately commented on the matter.

Majd Kamalmaz is among several Americans who have disappeared in Syria, including journalist Austin Tice, who went missing in 2012. Syria has denied holding American captives publicly. A high-level meeting in 2020 between U.S. officials and the Syrian government aimed at negotiating the release of detained Americans did not yield any significant results.

The Kamalmaz family plans to sue the Syrian government for damages and to advocate for other detainees.