US Journalist Shelly Kittleson Released After Kidnapping in Iraq
US freelance journalist Shelly Kittleson has been released after being kidnapped in Baghdad, Iraq, one week ago. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed her release, attributing it to the Trump Administration's commitment to citizen safety and thanking Iraqi officials for their assistance. The Iran-backed militia group Kataib Hezbollah had previously announced it would free Kittleson on the condition that she immediately leave Iraq. The abduction occurred on March 31 amidst heightened tensions and ongoing attacks by Iran-aligned militias on US-associated targets in the region. Prior to her kidnapping, US officials had reportedly warned Kittleson of specific threats from paramilitary groups, noting her name was on a list of targeted female journalists. Iraqi security forces had pursued the suspects at the time of the abduction, arresting one individual. US authorities are currently working to facilitate Kittleson's safe departure from the country. This incident highlights the persistent dangers faced by foreign journalists operating in Iraq, where the US State Department continues to advise against all travel due to security concerns.
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US Journalist Shelly Kittleson Released After Kidnapping in Iraq
US freelance journalist Shelly Kittleson has been released after being kidnapped in Baghdad, Iraq, one week ago. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed her release, attributing it to the Trump Administration's commitment to citizen safety and thanking Iraqi officials for their assistance. The Iran-backed militia group Kataib Hezbollah had previously announced it would free Kittleson on the condition that she immediately leave Iraq. The abduction occurred on March 31 amidst heightened tensions and ongoing attacks by Iran-aligned militias on US-associated targets in the region. Prior to her kidnapping, US officials had reportedly warned Kittleson of specific threats from paramilitary groups, noting her name was on a list of targeted female journalists. Iraqi security forces had pursued the suspects at the time of the abduction, arresting one individual. US authorities are currently working to facilitate Kittleson's safe departure from the country. This incident highlights the persistent dangers faced by foreign journalists operating in Iraq, where the US State Department continues to advise against all travel due to security concerns.
BBC News