U.S. journalist Shelly Kittleson was abducted in central Baghdad by Kataib Hezbollah, prompting a rescue operation by Iraqi authorities.
Kidnapping Confirmed
Alex Plitsas, a contact for Shelly Kittleson, confirmed her abduction in Baghdad by Kataib Hezbollah via X, stating her whereabouts and condition are unknown.
Video footage shows Kittleson being forcibly taken from her car in broad daylight in the city center by armed men who transferred her to another vehicle and fled.
Iraqi Authorities Respond
The Iraqi Ministry of Interior confirmed the kidnapping and reported the arrest of one suspect following a pursuit, with searches continuing.
Authorities stated a rescue operation began “immediately” based on intelligence, and a vehicle believed to belong to the kidnappers was recovered after crashing during an escape attempt; however, Kittleson was not inside.
Similar Past Incident
The kidnapping resembles the 2023 abduction of Russian-Israeli researcher Elizabeta Tsurkov, held by Kataib Hezbollah for 903 days before being released through U.S.-negotiated agreement.
Kittleson’s Background
Shelley Kittleson, an American freelancer based in Rome, is known for her reporting from conflict zones in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria, publishing with outlets like Al-Monitor.
Sources in the Trump administration confirmed to Al-Monitor they were aware of the risks and discouraged her travel to Iraq.
U.S. State Department Involvement
A U.S. official stated the State Department is aware of the kidnapping and is cooperating with the Iraqi government to secure Kittleson’s release.
Al-Monitor Statement
Al-Monitor colleagues issued a statement calling for Kittleson’s safe and immediate release, supporting her reporting and appealing for her swift return to continue her work.
Other News
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Edited by
Kamila Cieślik
