In brief
Freelance journalist Shelly Kittleson was kidnapped in Baghdad, with connections to an Iran-aligned militia known as Kataib Hezbollah. Iraqi security forces are actively pursuing the kidnappers, having already arrested one suspect. The US State Department confirms their awareness of the incident and efforts are underway to ensure Kittleson's safe return.
A US freelance journalist has been kidnapped in the Iraqi capital Baghdad, and one of the suspects is linked to an Iran-backed militia, Iraqi and US officials say.Shelly Kittleson was abducted on Tuesday evening, said Al-Monitor, a news outlet for which she has contributed articles. The Iraqi interior ministry stated that security forces had chased the reporter's abductors, resulting in one of the kidnappers' cars overturning and the arrest of one suspect.A US State Department official confirmed that an individual with ties to the Iranian-aligned militia group, Kataib Hezbollah, was detained by Iraqi authorities. Dylan Johnson, assistant secretary of state for global public affairs, confirmed the abduction of an American journalist, without naming Kittleson, stating that the State Department had previously warned her of threats against her safety and would coordinate with the FBI for her quick release.Reports indicate that Kittleson was taken near a hotel in central Baghdad, and Al-Monitor expressed deep concern regarding her kidnapping, calling for her safe and immediate release. Further, it was disclosed that Kittleson had been specifically warned about threats to her by Iranian-aligned paramilitary groups.The interior ministry affirmed that efforts are ongoing to track down the remaining kidnappers while emphasizing their commitment to secure Kittleson’s release. Kittleson has covered numerous conflicts in the region and is based in Rome, Italy. With the past of Baghdad marked by kidnappings, recent years have seen a reduction in such incidents, reflecting improvements in the security situation.
