American journalist Shelly Kittleson has been kidnapped in Baghdad by a suspected Iranian-backed Iraqi armed group, as regional security worsens. Kittleson, a longtime freelancer reporting from Syria, Iraq and Lebanon, was affiliated with Al-Monitor, a Washington-based news site.
The U.S. State Department and Iraqi authorities confirmed the abduction. Kataib Hezbollah, an Iranian-aligned militia, is reportedly seeking the release of its detained members in exchange for Kittleson’s freedom.
U.S. and Iraqi officials stated Kittleson had received warnings about potential threats prior to her kidnapping. She had also previously attempted to cross a border but was denied entry.
The State Department says it is working to secure her release “as soon as possible.”