Baghdad: An American journalist has been kidnapped in Baghdad by a suspected Iran-backed Iraqi armed group, the US Department of State confirmed, raising fresh concerns over the safety of foreign nationals in the region.
The State Department said it is actively working to secure the journalist’s release at the earliest.
“The US Department of State is aware of the reported kidnapping of an American journalist in Baghdad, Iraq. 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,” Dylan Johnson, Assistant Secretary of State for Global Public Affairs, said in a post on X.
He further stated, “An individual with ties to the Iranian-aligned militia group Kataib Hizballah believed to be involved in the kidnapping has been taken into custody by Iraqi authorities.”
Johnson also reiterated that Iraq remains under a Level 4 travel advisory, cautioning that Americans should not travel to the country under any circumstances and advising those present to leave immediately.
“The State Department strongly advise all Americans, including members of the press, to adhere to all travel advisories,” he added.
Earlier, the Iraqi Ministry of Interior confirmed in a statement on Tuesday that the journalist had been abducted by “unknown individuals” in Baghdad, according to the Iraqi News Agency.
Security forces have arrested one suspect and seized a vehicle allegedly used in the kidnapping following a pursuit operation, the ministry said, adding that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other individuals involved and ensure the journalist’s safe recovery.
The abducted journalist has been identified as Shelly Kittleson, a freelance reporter, by media advocacy organisations and Al-Monitor, one of the outlets where she has contributed.
Kittleson is known for her extensive reporting from conflict zones, particularly in Syria and Iraq, and has been working as a freelancer in the region for several years.
In a statement, Al-Monitor said it was “deeply alarmed” by her abduction and called for her “safe and immediate release.”
“We stand by her vital reporting from the region and call for her swift return to continue her important work,” the organisation said.
According to the International Women’s Media Foundation, Kittleson is a “legitimate journalist” with significant experience in the Middle East and is currently based in Rome.
(IANS)
