Family: Syria releases American student
Obada Mzaik was taken into custody after flying from Detroit to Damascus on January 3, his uncle has said.
January 25th, 2012
07:07 PM ET

Family: Syria releases American student

An Ohio-born student detained by Syrian authorities three weeks ago has been released, his family announced Wednesday.

Syria's government released 21-year-old Obada Mzaik to his father Wednesday evening, his uncle, Firas Nashef, said. Mzaik was taken into custody after flying from Detroit to Damascus on January 3, Nashef said.

"We're grateful that he's back with his family, and we're grateful to the community for showing support to the family during difficult days," Nashef said in a statement issued on behalf of the family. No further details were released.

Mzaik, a dual American and Syrian citizen, was studying civil engineering at a private university in the Syrian capital and had planned to pursue a master's degree in the United States, his uncle said.

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Filed under: Syria
soundoff (8 Responses)
  1. banasy©

    What was the point of his being detained?
    Because he is American?

    January 25, 2012 at 7:38 pm | Report abuse |
  2. Jazzy

    Syria! The kid musta not known how bad it is over their right now; however I am glad to see his safe return. Wonder if he plans on using his Masters back in Syria?

    January 25, 2012 at 7:42 pm | Report abuse |
  3. banasy©

    @Jazzy:
    Not is he had any common sense...

    January 25, 2012 at 8:34 pm | Report abuse |
  4. Iceman

    He could of avoided this by not going over there.wow he should of thought of that

    January 25, 2012 at 10:27 pm | Report abuse |
  5. gung hoe

    They the syrians probably figured they may as well turn him lose or get a visit from our special forces.

    January 26, 2012 at 1:34 am | Report abuse |
  6. Iceman

    @gung hoe how are you long time no read you!! Nice to have you back. Ive changed my name so many times the trolls have totally lost there way back to me hope to hear from you more

    January 26, 2012 at 1:41 am | Report abuse |
  7. gung hoe

    @iceman Im good. Kinda wished knew who you were.I also had changed my name couple times along time ago.Lately just go by my s n and do a whole lot of patroling. Trolls are just one of the hazords of being on the boards.From the looks of it your not the only one.

    January 26, 2012 at 3:17 am | Report abuse |
  8. Troll Rep

    Bleh!

    January 26, 2012 at 9:23 am | Report abuse |
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