An Ohio born student has been released after being detained by Syrian authorities, his family confirmed Wednesday.
CNN reports 21-year-old Obada Mzaik was released to his father Wednesday evening. His uncle, Firas Nashef, said Mzaik was taken into custody after flying from Detroit to Damascus on January 3.
Upon flying back to Damascus with his younger brother, both were detained for questioning by security officers. His brother was soon released but Mzaik was held for further questioning. This was Mzaik's second arrest by Syrian authorities, according to Nashef.
Mzaik was arrested and held for 37 days last summer for "spreading fliers about the revolution," and his family feared for his safety following his second arrest. Mzaik is a dual American and Syrian citizen who was studying civil engineering at a private university in the Syrian capital, his uncle said.
The U.S. State Department said Tuesday that that it was trying to confirm Mzaik's location.
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