Key takeaways:
- American journalist Shelly Kittleson was kidnapped in Baghdad by suspected Iranian-backed militia Kata’ib Hezbollah; Iraqi forces arrested one suspect and seized a vehicle used in the abduction.
- The U.S. State Department confirmed the kidnapping, noting prior warnings to Kittleson about threats, and is coordinating with the FBI and Iraqi authorities to secure her release.
- Despite multiple warnings about risks, Kittleson traveled to Baghdad; her abduction highlights ongoing security threats from Iranian-aligned militias amid heightened tensions in Iraq.
American Journalist Shelly Kittleson Kidnapped in Baghdad by Suspected Iranian-Backed Militants
Baghdad — American freelance journalist Shelly Kittleson was kidnapped in Baghdad on Tuesday, according to multiple sources including the Iraqi Interior Ministry and the U.S. State Department. Kittleson, who contributes to the Middle East-focused news outlet Al-Monitor, was reportedly abducted by individuals linked to the Iranian-backed militia group Kata’ib Hezbollah. Iraqi security forces have arrested one suspect and seized a vehicle used in the abduction, while efforts continue to locate additional perpetrators and secure Kittleson’s release.
The Iraqi Interior Ministry stated that security forces pursued the kidnappers’ vehicle, which overturned during the chase, leading to the arrest of one individual connected to the incident. The ministry emphasized that investigations are ongoing and that all necessary legal measures will be taken against those involved. Surveillance footage verified by NBC News appears to show Kittleson being forcibly placed into a vehicle before it sped away through Baghdad streets.
Dylan Johnson, assistant secretary of state for global public affairs, confirmed the kidnapping on social media platform X, noting that the State Department had previously warned Kittleson about threats against her life. Johnson said, “We have fulfilled our duty to warn this individual of threats against them and will continue to coordinate with the FBI to ensure their release as quickly as possible.” He also confirmed that the detained suspect has ties to Kata’ib Hezbollah, a militia group aligned with Iran. The U.S. Embassy in Iraq maintains a Level 4 Travel Advisory, urging Americans to avoid travel to Iraq and to leave the country immediately due to heightened risks.
Kittleson, an Italian-American journalist based in Rome who has reported extensively from Iraq and Syria, was reportedly advised multiple times about threats against her, including as recently as Monday night. Alex Plitsas, Kittleson’s designated U.S. point of contact and a CNN national security analyst, confirmed that she had been warned about a specific threat from Kata’ib Hezbollah, which allegedly targeted female journalists for kidnapping or assassination. Despite these warnings, Kittleson proceeded with her travel plans, reportedly to stay with a local family in Baghdad who assured her safety. Journalist Kiran Nazish, founder of the Coalition for Women in Journalism, said Kittleson had experience reporting in dangerous environments and was aware of the risks.
Al-Monitor released a statement expressing deep concern over Kittleson’s abduction and called for her immediate and safe release. The FBI, National Security Council, State Department, Delta Force, and Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service are reportedly coordinating efforts to resolve the situation. The White House and FBI declined to comment publicly on the case. The kidnapping comes amid ongoing tensions in Iraq, where U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran have heightened threats from Iranian-aligned militias. The U.S. Embassy recently warned that these militias may target Americans, including university personnel and journalists, underscoring the precarious security environment in the country.
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