Iraqi Forces Arrest Suspect in Kidnapping of American Journalist Kittleson
Key Takeaways
- Shelly Kittleson, American freelance journalist, abducted in central Baghdad.
- Iraqi authorities arrested a suspect linked to Kataib Hezbollah.
- Security forces launched a manhunt and are pursuing the captors.
American Journalist Kidnapped
Kittleson was abducted in Baghdad by unknown assailants, Iraq's Interior Ministry confirmed.
Security forces pursued at least two vehicles; one overturned near Al-Haswa.
A suspect was arrested, but Kittleson was not in the intercepted vehicle and remains missing.
Suspect Linked to Kataib Hezbollah
A suspect taken into custody had ties to pro-Iranian militia Kataib Hezbollah.
The State Department had previously warned Kittleson of threats.
The kidnapping recalls the 2023 abduction of Elizabeth Tsurkov by the same militia.
Widespread Travel Advisories
The State Department advised all Americans to adhere to travel advisories.
Kittleson was a veteran war correspondent.
Her abduction highlights growing dangers faced by journalists in the region.
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