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, according to Al-Monitor, a news outlet for which she has contributed articles. The Iraqi interior ministry stated that security forces pursued the reporter's abductors, resulting in the overturning of one of the kidnappers' vehicles and the arrest of a 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 without naming Kittleson, stating the department had previously warned her of threats against her and would coordinate with the FBI for her release.
Reports indicate that Kittleson was taken near a hotel in Baghdad's city center, and the State Department confirmed it is aware of the situation and is working with the Iraqi government to secure her release. Al-Monitor expressed deep concern regarding her kidnapping and called for her immediate and safe release. Iraqi authorities say they are working at high levels to secure her return.
Kittleson, who is based in Rome, has a history of reporting on conflicts in Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan. Her emergency contact has shared that Kittleson received warnings about specific threats from Iran-backed paramilitaries, including that her name was allegedly on a list held by Kataib Hezbollah. Efforts to track down the remaining abductors are ongoing as the authorities confirm that the chase of the perpetrators started immediately after the kidnapping.
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 without naming Kittleson, stating the department had previously warned her of threats against her and would coordinate with the FBI for her release.
Reports indicate that Kittleson was taken near a hotel in Baghdad's city center, and the State Department confirmed it is aware of the situation and is working with the Iraqi government to secure her release. Al-Monitor expressed deep concern regarding her kidnapping and called for her immediate and safe release. Iraqi authorities say they are working at high levels to secure her return.
Kittleson, who is based in Rome, has a history of reporting on conflicts in Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan. Her emergency contact has shared that Kittleson received warnings about specific threats from Iran-backed paramilitaries, including that her name was allegedly on a list held by Kataib Hezbollah. Efforts to track down the remaining abductors are ongoing as the authorities confirm that the chase of the perpetrators started immediately after the kidnapping.
