The photographer’s identity has not been officially released, but the Washington Post reported that his name is Kevin Patrick Dawes, a 33-year-old man from San Diego, California.
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U.S. State Department Spokesman Mark Toner said the person was freed several days ago and had left Syria but did not identify the individual.
Syrian authorities have released an American prisoner, USA officials said Friday.
Jason Stern, the committee’s senior research associate for the Middle East and North Africa, said Dawes was not included because “we have no evidence that he went to Syria to report as a journalist”.
In 2011, Dawes told NPR that he traveled to Libya initially as a medical aid worker but then ended up fighting with anti-Qaddafi forces.
Despite Dawes’ somewhat different profile, the unexpected release has given hope to campaigners seeking the better known freelance journalist Tice’s freedom.
Mr. Kirby said the U.S.is still working to “get information on the welfare and whereabouts” of another American believed to be in Syria, Austin Tice.
State Department spokesman John Kirby on Friday confirmed that an American had been released.
“We are are appreciative of efforts on the behalf of the Russian government that it undertook on behalf of this USA citizen”, he said.
“As a result of this work, it was found out that one of them – Kevin Dawes – was being held under arrest for illegal entry into the country and other offenses”.
“Oh, Jesus”, the former US Marine says.
Dawes is not the only American citizen to be held in Syria, as Austin Tice, another reporter is still signaled as missing.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry added that President Barack Obama had personally asked President Vladimir Putin to help find Americans missing in Syria.
Tice has been missing since August 2012.
The family of freelance photographer Kevin Patrick Dawes said in a statement sent to The Associated Press on Saturday morning that they’re thrilled to be welcoming him home.
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Dawes’ release may be a sign that Tice could also be freed, The Washington Post reported.
