Freelance Journalist Shelly Kittleson Kidnapped in Baghdad

Tue Mar 31 2026 23:24:30 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

U.S. journalist Shelly Kittleson was abducted in Baghdad, with connections to an Iranian-backed militia suspected in the kidnapping. Security forces are actively pursuing her captors.

U.S. freelance journalist Shelly Kittleson has been reported kidnapped in Baghdad, Iraq. Officials suggest ties to an Iranian-aligned militia. Security forces have begun pursuing the abductors, with one suspect already detained. The State Department confirms awareness of the situation and is coordinating efforts for Kittleson's safe return.

A US freelance journalist has been kidnapped in the Iraqi capital Baghdad, and one of the suspects is linked to an Iran-backed militia, Iraqi and US officials say.

Shelly Kittleson was abducted on Tuesday evening, according to Al-Monitor, a news outlet for which she has contributed articles.

The Iraqi interior ministry stated that security forces had chased the reporter's abductors, with the pursuit resulting in one of the kidnappers' cars overturning and the arrest of one suspect.

A US state department official disclosed that an individual with ties to the Iranian-aligned militia group, Kataib Hezbollah, was detained by Iraqi authorities.

Dylan Johnson, assistant secretary of state for global public affairs, confirmed the abduction of an American journalist without naming Kittleson. He noted that the State Department had warned her of threats against her safety multiple times prior to the kidnapping.

According to reports, Kittleson was last seen near a hotel in central Baghdad. The State Department is working closely with the Iraqi government to secure her release, and local officials are treating the case with urgency.

Al-Monitor expressed deep concern over Kittleson's kidnapping and called for her immediate release. Earlier warnings indicated a specific threat against female journalists from Iranian-backed paramilitaries, with Kittleson reportedly on a list of individuals targeted.

Efforts to secure her release are ongoing as authorities strive to locate and apprehend the remaining kidnappers, emphasizing that all involved in this criminal act will face legal repercussions.

Kittleson, who is based in Rome, Italy, has reported on numerous conflicts, including those in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. In response to the situation, the FBI, National Security Council, and other organizations have been in contact regarding her abduction.

Although Baghdad has seen a decline in kidnappings as security has improved in recent years, Kittleson’s case raises significant concerns about the safety of journalists in conflict zones.