The US has stated that the US journalist was abducted in the Iraqi capital by a suspected Iranian-backed Iraqi armed group, as regional security deteriorates following the US-Israeli attack on Iran.
The news outlet Al-Monitor, for which Shelly Kittleson wrote, reported she was abducted on Tuesday evening, noting that according to local news reports, the journalist was taken from near a hotel in the heart of the capital. It also stated that the State Department is aware of Kittleson’s abduction and is working with the Iraqi government to secure her release.
“We stand by her vital reporting from the region and call for her swift return to continue her important work,” Al-Monitor said.
US officials contacted Kittleson several times to warn her of threats against her, including as recently as Monday evening. Dylan Johnson, the assistant secretary of state for global public affairs, wrote on X that “The State Department previously fulfilled our duty to warn this individual of threats against them and we will continue to coordinate with the FBI to ensure their release as quickly as possible.”
“An individual with ties to the Iranian-aligned militia group Kataib Hezballah believed to be involved in the kidnapping has been taken into custody by Iraqi authorities,” Johnson added.
The Interior Ministry of Iraq said its security forces had pursued Kittleson’s kidnappers in a chase, resulting in one of the kidnappers’ vehicles overturning and the arrest of one of the suspects, saying: “Security forces were able to arrest one of the suspects and seize one of the vehicles used in the crime.”
“The Ministry affirms that efforts are ongoing to track down the remaining perpetrators and secure the release of the abducted woman, and to take due legal action against all those involved in this criminal act, in accordance with the law,” it added.
Baghdad had previously been sadly notorious for kidnappings and attempted kidnappings, but these have declined as the security situation has improved in recent years. In light of the heightened tensions in the region, the US has recently warned Americans of growing risks in Iraq, where Iran supports several Shia armed groups.
