A US freelance journalist has been kidnapped in the Iraqi capital Baghdad, and one of the suspects is linked to an Iran-backed militia, Iraqi and US officials say. Shelly Kittleson was abducted on Tuesday evening, according to reports from Al-Monitor, a news outlet for which she has contributed articles. The Iraqi interior ministry stated that security forces chased Kittleson's abductors, resulting in the arrest of one suspect after their vehicle overturned. A US State Department official indicated a connection to an Iranian-aligned militia group, Kataib Hezbollah, as one suspect was taken into custody. Dylan Johnson, assistant secretary of state for global public affairs, confirmed the abduction of an American journalist without naming Kittleson but mentioned that the State Department had previously warned her of potential threats. Reports indicate Kittleson may have been taken near a hotel in central Baghdad. The US is collaborating with Iraqi authorities to secure her release, as her emergency contact revealed she had received warnings about potential threats against her from Iran-backed groups. The interior ministry announced ongoing operations to track down the remaining kidnappers and secure Kittleson's release while legal actions are expected against those involved in this act.