A US man held in a Syrian prison for months after entering the country on foot has shared his incredible story of escape as rebels overthrew Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
Travis Timmerman, 30, told CBS he was detained near Damascus seven months ago and had been missing since May.
Timmerman Vanished From Hungary
His whereabouts were unknown after he mysteriously vanished from the Hungarian capital of Budapest this year.
He was released on Monday when two hammer-wielding men broke down his cell door amidst the chaos of Damascus falling to rebel forces.
“The door was busted down—it woke me up,” Timmerman recalled.
Fearing prison guards were still nearby, he hesitated, but quickly realized the fighting had moved elsewhere.
Syrians Offered Him Food
Leaving alongside a large group of prisoners, Timmerman admitted he felt fear but was more focused on basic survival.
He thanked the local Syrians for giving him food, water, and a peaceful place to sleep.
