Journalist Shelly Kittleson Abducted in Baghdad Amid Rising Threats

Wed Apr 01 2026 18:34:04 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

US freelance journalist Shelly Kittleson has been kidnapped in Baghdad, with links to an Iran-backed militia. Security forces are currently pursuing the abductors and the US State Department is coordinating efforts for her release.

Shelly Kittleson, a US journalist, was kidnapped in Baghdad. Initial reports indicate one of the abductors is associated with an Iran-aligned militia, leading to urgent efforts by both Iraqi security forces and the US State Department to secure her release. Kittleson had received warnings from US officials regarding threats to her safety prior to her abduction.

US journalist Shelly Kittleson kidnapped in Baghdad

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 Al-Monitor, a news outlet for which she has contributed articles.

The Iraqi interior ministry said security forces had chased the reporter's abductors, leading to the overturning of one of the kidnapper's vehicles and the arrest of a suspect.

A US state department official confirmed an individual with ties to the Iranian-aligned militia group Kataib Hezbollah was detained.

Dylan Johnson, assistant secretary of state for global public affairs, confirmed the abduction of an American journalist without specifically naming Kittleson and mentioned ongoing coordination with the FBI for her release.

The State Department had warned Kittleson several times, notably as late as Monday night, of threats against her safety.

Local reports suggest Kittleson was taken near a hotel in central Baghdad, and Al-Monitor has called for her safe and immediate release.

An Iraqi official confirmed that local authorities are working at the highest level to secure Kittleson’s release.

Her emergency contact reported that Kittleson had been warned of a specific threat from Iran-backed paramilitaries, and sources indicated that her name was listed with Kataib Hezbollah.

The interior ministry stated that operations are ongoing to locate and apprehend the remaining abductors and emphasize that legal action will be taken against all involved.

Kittleson, who resides in Rome and has reported extensively on conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria, has received response efforts involving various US agencies regarding her abduction.

KB"]Iraq has seen a decreased number of kidnappings in the recent years as security measures have improved, yet the risk remains, particularly for foreign journalists.