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 stated 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 to secure her release and indicated that the US is now 'working to support her safe departure from Iraq.'
At the time of the 49-year-old's abduction, Iraqi security forces had chased the suspects, resulting in one arrest. Following the incident, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa al-Sudani ordered security forces to pursue those responsible for abducting foreigners. In a separate announcement, Hezbollah indicated they would release a recording detailing Kittleson's 'role and activities in Iraq.'
The abduction happened amid ongoing assaults by Iran and its allied Iraqi Shi’a militias on US-associated targets since the outbreak of the US-Israeli conflict regarding Iran. Kittleson's friend, CNN analyst Alex Plitsas, mentioned he had witnessed the alleged statement about her release but noted a lack of official confirmation from the US government. Reports indicate US officials had previously warned Kittleson of threats against her, citing her placement on a list by Kataib Hezbollah, believed to be plotting attacks against female journalists.
Kittleson has reported on multiple conflicts, including those in Afghanistan and Syria, and is based in Rome, Italy. The US State Department continues to advise against travel to Iraq due to safety concerns.
At the time of the 49-year-old's abduction, Iraqi security forces had chased the suspects, resulting in one arrest. Following the incident, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa al-Sudani ordered security forces to pursue those responsible for abducting foreigners. In a separate announcement, Hezbollah indicated they would release a recording detailing Kittleson's 'role and activities in Iraq.'
The abduction happened amid ongoing assaults by Iran and its allied Iraqi Shi’a militias on US-associated targets since the outbreak of the US-Israeli conflict regarding Iran. Kittleson's friend, CNN analyst Alex Plitsas, mentioned he had witnessed the alleged statement about her release but noted a lack of official confirmation from the US government. Reports indicate US officials had previously warned Kittleson of threats against her, citing her placement on a list by Kataib Hezbollah, believed to be plotting attacks against female journalists.
Kittleson has reported on multiple conflicts, including those in Afghanistan and Syria, and is based in Rome, Italy. The US State Department continues to advise against travel to Iraq due to safety concerns.
