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American journalist Shelly Kittleson has been released by Kataib Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militia in Iraq, after being kidnapped last week in Baghdad. The militia issued a statement confirming her release, following a week of intense negotiations and efforts by Iraqi and U.S. authorities.
Kittleson, a freelance journalist based in Rome, Italy, was abducted on Tuesday (March 31) near a hotel in Baghdad. Iraqi security forces quickly launched an operation to track down the kidnappers, resulting in the arrest of one suspect after a vehicle chase. The suspect, linked to Kataib Hezbollah, was detained by Iraqi authorities.
Kataib Hezbollah, designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S., has a history of targeting American citizens and interests in Iraq. The group has been involved in various attacks against U.S. military and diplomatic personnel, as well as economic targets in the region. According to Long War Journal, the militia has deep ties to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Prior to her abduction, Kittleson had been warned by U.S. officials about threats from Iran-backed paramilitaries, including Kataib Hezbollah. The U.S. State Department had previously issued an evacuation advisory for American citizens in Iraq due to the increased risk of attacks by these militias.
The release of Kittleson comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, as the U.S. and Iran continue to face off over various geopolitical issues. The situation remains volatile, with ongoing concerns about the safety of foreign nationals in Iraq.
The U.S. government continues to work closely with Iraqi authorities to ensure the safety of American citizens in the region and to hold those responsible for Kittleson's kidnapping accountable.