A US freelance journalist who was kidnapped in the Iraqi capital Baghdad a week ago is to be released, an Iran-backed militia says.
Kataib Hezbollah said on Tuesday it would release Shelly Kittleson, who was taken on 31 March, on the condition that she leave Iraq immediately.
Abu Mujahid al-Assaf, a security official in the group, stated: In recognition of the national stances of the outgoing prime minister, we have decided to release the American defendant Shelly Kittleson.
Reports from the New York Times and Associated Press indicate Kittleson was released on Tuesday, although her current location remains unclear.
Prior to the abduction, the Iraqi government reported that their security forces pursued the suspects, resulting in one arrest. Following this, last week Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa al-Sudani ordered security forces to pursue those responsible for abducting foreigners.
Moreover, in a separate statement, Assaf mentioned that the group intends to release a recording detailing Kittleson's role and activities in Iraq, without elaborating further.
This incident comes amidst continued attacks by Iran and its allied Iraqi Shia militias on US-associated targets in the region, which have escalated since the onset of conflict involving US-Israeli interests.
Kittleson's friend and CNN national security analyst Alex Plitsas confirmed the alleged statement regarding her release, noting, however, the lack of official confirmation from the US government. It was previously reported that US officials had warned Kittleson about specific threats against her.
According to Plitsas, Kittleson was specifically warned that her name was on a list held by Kataib Hezbollah, suggesting they were plotting to target female journalists.
Based in Rome, Italy, Kittleson has extensive coverage experience of conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. The US State Department continues to advise its citizens against travel to Iraq due to security concerns.
