US journalist Shelly Kittleson to be released after kidnap in Iraq, militia says

US Journalist Shelly Kittleson to Be Released After Kidnap in Iraq, Militia Claims

A freelance American journalist detained in Baghdad, Iraq, for seven days is set to be freed, according to an Iran-aligned militia. Kataib Hezbollah announced on Tuesday that it would release Shelly Kittleson, who was abducted on 31 March, provided she leaves the country without delay. Abu Mujahid al-Assaf, a security representative of the group, stated in a statement:

“In recognition of the national stances of the outgoing prime minister, we have decided to release the American defendant Shelly Kittleson.”

The New York Times and Associated Press reported Kittleson’s release on Tuesday, referencing Iraqi officials. However, her current whereabouts remain uncertain. At the time of her abduction, Iraqi authorities indicated that security forces had pursued the suspects, resulting in one kidnapper’s vehicle flipping and the apprehension of an individual. Last week, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa al-Sudani directed security operations to target those responsible for abducting foreign nationals.

In an additional post, Assaf mentioned the group would disclose a recording highlighting Kittleson’s “role and activities in Iraq,” though no further specifics were given. The incident occurred during sustained attacks by Iran-backed Iraqi Shia militias on US-linked sites in Iraq and surrounding regions, following the initiation of the US-Israeli war on Iran.

Kittleson, based in Rome, Italy, has reported on conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. Her professional profile on X notes contributions to multiple publications. Prior to her kidnapping, US officials had reached out to her several times to alert her about potential threats. Her friend and emergency contact, CNN national security analyst Alex Plitsas, confirmed receiving the “alleged statement” about her release but noted:

“We have no official confirmation from the United States government that this is true.”

Plitsas previously shared with CBS, the BBC’s US news partner, that Kittleson had been warned by US authorities about a targeted threat from Iran-backed paramilitaries. He explained that her name appeared on a list held by Kataib Hezbollah, which was allegedly planning to detain or assassinate female journalists.

The US State Department has issued warnings advising citizens to avoid travel to Iraq. While the militia claims to have completed the release, confirmation from US officials is pending, leaving the situation open to further developments.