American journalist Shelly Kittleson, who was abducted in Baghdad on March 31, has been released, according to Iraqi officials and local media reports.
The Iran-backed militia Kata’ib Hezbollah said earlier this week that it would free Kittleson on the condition that she leave Iraq immediately, according to statements circulated on Telegram and cited by Al-Monitor. U.S. and Iraqi officials had previously suspected the group’s involvement, though it did not initially claim responsibility.
An Iraqi official confirmed on Tuesday that Kittleson was released after about a week in captivity, according to The Associated Press. The circumstances of her release remain unclear, though multiple reports indicate it may have involved the release of detained members of Kata’ib Hezbollah.
Kittleson, a freelance journalist based in Rome who has reported extensively from Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan, was kidnapped by gunmen in central Baghdad. Iraqi security forces launched an operation following the abduction and detained at least one suspect with alleged ties to the militia.
“The U.S. Department of State extends its appreciation to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of War, U.S. personnel across multiple agencies, and the Iraqi Supreme Judicial Council and our Iraqi partners, for their assistance in securing her release,” stated U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
He said that Kittleson’s release “reflects the Trump administration’s steadfast commitment to the safety and security of American citizens, no matter where they are in the world.”
“Under President Trump, the wrongful detention or kidnapping of U.S. nationals will not be tolerated,” Rubio stated. “We will continue to use every tool to bring Americans home and to hold accountable those responsible.”
Alex Plitsas, a CNN national security analyst and designated point of contact for Kittleson, wrote on April 9 that he spoke with the journalist and that “she is recovering and being treated for some injuries.”
“She will speak when she is ready and asks for privacy in the interim,” he stated, adding, “She also asked me to convey her sincere thanks and appreciation to all of the people who helped to free her, advocate for her, and be there for her.”
