A US freelance journalist has been reported as kidnapped in Baghdad, with a potential link to an Iran-backed militia, according to both Iraqi and US officials.
Shelly Kittleson, a contributor to Al-Monitor, was abducted on Tuesday evening. Following the incident, Iraqi security forces were able to pursue the abductors, leading to the overturning of their vehicle and the arrest of one suspect.
An official from the US state department mentioned that a person affiliated with Kataib Hezbollah, an Iranian-aligned militia group, has been detained by Iraqi authorities in connection to the abduction.
Despite not specifically naming Kittleson, Dylan Johnson, assistant secretary of state for global public affairs, acknowledged the situation and reassured efforts to secure her release promptly. He stated on X: “The State Department previously fulfilled our duty to warn this individual of threats against them and we will continue to coordinate with the FBI to ensure their release as quickly as possible.”
Reports suggest that the US government had warned Kittleson multiple times about potential threats, with the latest warning issued as recently as Monday night.
While details remain limited due to privacy concerns, the US state department confirmed awareness of Kittleson’s kidnapping and ongoing collaboration with Iraqi authorities for her safe return.
Al-Monitor expressed deep concern over Kittleson’s abduction, emphasizing the urgency of her safe release and confirming their cooperation with relevant parties towards achieving that goal.
An Iraqi official, in coordination with US counterparts, assured that efforts were in place at the highest levels to secure Kittleson’s release.
Kittleson’s emergency contact, Alex Plitsas, highlighted prior warnings from the US government regarding specific threats posed by Iran-backed paramilitaries, particularly Kataib Hezbollah, who were reportedly targeting female journalists for abduction or harm.
Amidst the ongoing operation to locate the perpetrators and secure Kittleson’s freedom, the interior ministry emphasized swift action in pursuing the criminals and upholding justice within the legal framework.
Based in Rome, Italy, Kittleson has extensive experience covering conflicts in various regions, including Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria, as detailed in her professional bio.
Multiple entities, including the FBI, National Security Council, state department, Delta Force, and Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service, have been actively engaged in addressing the abduction, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
While Baghdad has had a history of kidnappings, the overall security landscape in Iraq has shown improvement in recent years, leading to a decrease in such incidents.