A US freelance journalist who was kidnapped in the Iraqi capital Baghdad a week ago has been released, according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Iran-backed militia group Kataib Hezbollah said earlier on Tuesday that it would release Shelly Kittleson, who was taken on 31 March, on the condition that she leave Iraq immediately. Rubio said the release 'reflects the Trump Administration's steadfast commitment to the safety and security of American citizens, no matter where they are in the world.' He thanked Iraqi officials for helping secure her release and mentioned that the US is now 'working to support her safe departure from Iraq.'
Following her abduction, the Iraqi government indicated that security forces had pursued the suspects, resulting in the overturning of one of the kidnappers' vehicles and the arrest of one individual. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa al-Sudani had ordered a pursuit of those responsible for abducting foreigners. Reports suggest that Kataib Hezbollah would release a recording regarding Kittleson’s 'role and activities in Iraq,' though details remain sparse.
Kittleson’s abduction came amid increasing attacks by Iran and its allied Iraqi Shia militias against US-associated targets in the region following the outbreak of the US-Israeli war on Iran. Confirmations of the situation have been careful; Kittleson's friend and emergency contact, CNN national security analyst Alex Plitsas, noted that while an alleged statement regarding her release had been observed, there was no official confirmation from the US government yet. U.S. officials had previously warned Kittleson about threats against her, indicating her name was on a list held by Kataib Hezbollah, which was thought to be targeting female journalists.
Kittleson, based in Rome, Italy, has extensive journalistic experience covering conflicts in regions like Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. The US State Department has continuously advised citizens against traveling to Iraq.
Following her abduction, the Iraqi government indicated that security forces had pursued the suspects, resulting in the overturning of one of the kidnappers' vehicles and the arrest of one individual. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa al-Sudani had ordered a pursuit of those responsible for abducting foreigners. Reports suggest that Kataib Hezbollah would release a recording regarding Kittleson’s 'role and activities in Iraq,' though details remain sparse.
Kittleson’s abduction came amid increasing attacks by Iran and its allied Iraqi Shia militias against US-associated targets in the region following the outbreak of the US-Israeli war on Iran. Confirmations of the situation have been careful; Kittleson's friend and emergency contact, CNN national security analyst Alex Plitsas, noted that while an alleged statement regarding her release had been observed, there was no official confirmation from the US government yet. U.S. officials had previously warned Kittleson about threats against her, indicating her name was on a list held by Kataib Hezbollah, which was thought to be targeting female journalists.
Kittleson, based in Rome, Italy, has extensive journalistic experience covering conflicts in regions like Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. The US State Department has continuously advised citizens against traveling to Iraq.
