by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent
BAGHDAD/JERUSALEM (Worthy News) – An American freelance journalist has been kidnapped in Iraq’s capital Baghdad, with authorities confirming the arrest of a suspect linked to an Iran-aligned militia, Iraqi and U.S. officials said.
The journalist was identified as Shelly Kittleson, a Rome-based reporter who has contributed to outlets including broadcaster BBC, and online publications Politico and Al-Monitor, which focuses on in-depth reporting and analysis of the Middle East.
🇺🇸🇮🇶 US journalist Shelly Kittleson was abducted in broad daylight in Baghdad on March 31 while reporting on Middle East conflicts.
US officials say she had been warned about threats prior to travelling. Iraqi forces pursued the kidnappers, with one suspect arrested after their… pic.twitter.com/0bGm5zINp5
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Kittleson was abducted Tuesday evening near a hotel in central Baghdad, according to Al-Monitor, citing local reports.
Iraq’s Interior Ministry said security forces launched an immediate operation to pursue the kidnappers, acting on what it described as “precise intelligence.”
“The pursuit resulted in the interception of a vehicle belonging to the kidnappers, which overturned as they attempted to escape,” the ministry said in a statement translated from Arabic.
JOURNALIST WAS WARNED
One suspect was arrested, while others remain at large, officials added. The ministry did not identify the detainee, referring to the perpetrators as “unknown individuals.”
However, a U.S. Department of State official announced that the detained individual has ties to Kataib Hezbollah, a powerful Iran-backed militia designated as a terrorist organization by the United States.
U.S. officials said Kittleson had been warned multiple times about threats against her, including as recently as Monday night.
Dylan Johnson, assistant secretary of state for global public affairs, confirmed the abduction without naming the journalist.
“The State Department previously fulfilled our duty to warn this individual of threats against them and we will continue to coordinate with the Federal Bureau of Investigation to ensure their release as quickly as possible,” he wrote on social media platform X.
The State Department declined further comment “due to privacy and other considerations.”
IRAN-BACKED GROUPS
Sources told U.S. broadcaster CBS that Kittleson had been warned of a specific threat from Iran-backed paramilitary groups.
Her emergency contact, Alex Plitsas, a national security analyst for broadcaster CNN, said she had been told her name appeared on a list held by Kataib Hezbollah targeting female journalists.
However, Al-Monitor said it was “deeply alarmed” by the abduction and called for Kittleson’s “safe and immediate release.”
An Iraqi official said authorities were working “at the highest level” to secure her freedom.
Sources familiar with the situation confirmed that multiple U.S. agencies — including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), National Security Council, State Department, and specialized military units — are coordinating with Iraqi forces, including the Counter-Terrorism Service, to find the journalist.
YEARS OF WAR REPORTING
Kittleson has reported extensively from conflict zones, including Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria.
Her kidnapping highlights ongoing security risks in Iraq despite improvements in recent years.
Baghdad was once notorious for abductions, particularly during the height of sectarian violence, though such incidents have declined.
Still, Iran-aligned militias continue to wield influence in parts of the country, raising concerns among Western governments and journalists operating in the region.
Officials said efforts are ongoing to locate Kittleson and apprehend the remaining suspects.
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