American Journalist Released After Kidnapping in Iraq

An American journalist, Shelly Kittleson, was reportedly freed on Tuesday by the Iranian-backed militia, Kataib Hezbollah, just a week after being abducted in Baghdad’s streets during daylight.

Two Iraqi officials informed the Associated Press that her release was confirmed. Kittleson, a 49-year-old freelancer, had been missing since March 31. Militia representatives indicated that Iraqi authorities had consented to release some imprisoned members of Kataib Hezbollah in exchange for her freedom.

The group acknowledged the “patriotic” position of outgoing Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani, who, according to reports, had been in negotiations for Kittleson’s release and was directed to leave the country.

A security commander for Kataib Hezbollah, known as Abu Mujahid al-Assaf, made the announcement regarding her release, and the statement was circulated on Al-Monitor’s Telegram channel. However, it was noted that neither the Iraqi nor U.S. governments had confirmed the news.

Kittleson’s mother had initially said that her daughter had not yet been released; later, she expressed uncertainty about Kittleson’s situation after speaking with reporters. She also mentioned a meeting with FBI agents.

Witnesses reported that gunmen seized Kittleson near the Palestine Hotel in Baghdad on March 31. Iraqi security forces attempted to apprehend the kidnappers, resulting in a car chase that ended with the capture of one suspect.

Kittleson had reportedly been warned of potential threats several times, including the night before her abduction, by anonymous U.S. officials. The State Department had also indicated they had notified her of possible dangers.

Kataib Hezbollah has been designated a foreign terrorist organization by the United States since 2009. This group had previously kidnapped an Israeli-Russian student, keeping her captive for over two years.