SEATTLE — The Renton family of a U.S. citizen released from captivity by the Syrian government said they were grateful for efforts by the U.S. government over the past three years to secure his freedom.
The exact whereabouts of freelance photographer Kevin Patrick Dawes, 33, remained unclear, but his family said Saturday that they’re thrilled to be welcoming him home.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the tireless efforts of the U.S. government over the last three years and the involvement of the Czech and Russian governments in securing Kevin’s release,” said a statement emailed by Randy Dawes, who identified himself as Kevin’s father.
The U.S. State Department said Friday that the Syrian government had released Dawes to authorities from Russia, which has been backing the government of Syrian President Bashar Assad in the civil war that is in its sixth year.
