Federal officials have 'high confidence' that the American journalist Austin Tice, who disappeared while reporting in Syria in 2012, is still alive in the country.

Tice — a photojournalist and former Marine — disappeared while reporting near Damascus in August 2012.

White House hostage envoy James O'Brien told federal officials he has 'positive, yet cautious news' and there is 'high confidence that Austin is alive in Syria,'CNN reported.

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Austin Tice, a photojournalist and former Marine, disappeared while reporting near Damascus in August 2012

Tice was last pictured five weeks after he disappeared in 2012. He appeared in a 43-second video (pictured) in captivity being held by what his family has called an 'unusual group of apparent jihadists'

'Today's news should remind us that we cannot give up until we bring Austin Tice home,' said Sen. John Cornyn, a Republican of Texas, to CNN.

'I renew once again my call for his immediate release by his captors, and I strongly urge the current and future administration to continue to utilize all possible means to secure his safe return.'

Cornyn, who shared O'Brien's remarks, says he has met with Tice's parents, Marc and Debra.

'While this is certainly positive news, I can't help but think of his parents and what they have had to go through these last four years,' Cornyn told CNN.

Tice (pictured) is a freelance journalist who has filed copy for McClatchy News, the Washington Post, CBS, AFP, BBC and the Associated Press. He's the only American journalist in captivity in Syria

Tice's parents, Marc and Debra (pictured), have complained that the White House has released little to no information about their son's disappearance

Tice is a freelance journalist who has filed copy for McClatchy News, the Washington Post, CBS, AFP, BBC and the Associated Press.

The last time he was pictured was five weeks after he disappeared in 2012.

He appeared in a 43-second video in captivity being held by what his family has called an 'unusual group of apparent jihadists.'

The update on finding Tice were shared by Sen. John Cornyn (center), R-Texas, who added 'we cannot give up until we bring Austin Tice home'

Tice is the only American journalist being held captive in Syria, according to Reporters Without Borders.

His family has complained that the White House has released little to no information about their son's disappearance.