A man who identified himself as an American from Missouri, Travis Timmerman, was found Thursday in Syria after being released from prison earlier this week, when longtime dictator Bashar al-Assad was forced from power by a shocking rebel offensive.
Timmerman told CBS News senior correspondent Elizabeth Palmer that he had been trying to make his own way out of the country after walking out of prison. has been held for more than half a year. He said he was arrested when he entered Syria seven months ago after spending a month in neighboring Lebanon.
Timmerman said two men armed with AK-47s broke down his prison door on Monday with a hammer.
“My door was broken down, it woke me up,” Timmerman said. “I thought the guards were still there, so I thought the war could have been more active than it was.” he finally … When we got out, there was no struggle, there was no fight.”
CBS News
Timmerman said he left the prison with a large group and started walking away. He said he had been trying to go towards Jordan.
He said he had “a few moments of fear” when he left prison, and that he hadn't really processed that he was free.
“I haven't thought about that yet. I've been more concerned about finding a place to sleep every night since then,” he told CBS News. So I've been working, really.”
Timmerman said he was not afraid to go to people to ask for help or a place to sleep at night on his journey.
“They were coming to me, mostly,” Timmerman said, adding that he had spoken to his family three weeks ago, through a phone he had while in prison. He said permission was granted his to use.
“I feel good. I'm fed and I'm hydrated, so I feel good,” said Timmerman.
contributed to this report.
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