US Journalist Shelly Kittleson Freed by Iran-Backed Militia in Iraq

Shelly Kittleson was freed after being held for a week by the Iran-backed Iraqi militia Kataib Hezbollah.

“The Iraqi armed group Kataib Hezbollah has announced that it will release Shelly Kittleson, a journalist from the United States whose recent abduction in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad prompted calls for her release from press freedom groups”

Al Jazeera

The release was conditioned on her leaving Iraq immediately.

Al Jazeera

Two militia officials said she was freed in exchange for several detained members.

Secretary of State Rubio confirmed the release and thanked U.S. and Iraqi partners.

Kittleson had been abducted on March 31 in Baghdad.

Kittleson is a freelance journalist who often worked without protections.

She had entered Iraq shortly before her abduction despite warnings.

Al-Monitor

The Iraqi Interior Ministry confirmed two cars were involved.

Efforts continued to locate additional suspects.

Al-Monitor praised her vital reporting from the region.

Kittleson was released in a swap.

She had appeared in an undated video during captivity.

Her abduction was part of a pattern of Iran-backed militias targeting Western journalists.

Her release came after intense coordination among U.S. and Iraqi partners.

Kataib Hezbollah cited the outgoing prime minister as a reason for the release.

The group said they are in a state of war imposed by the American enemy against Islam.

BBC

The release came as the region grappled with the aftermath of Trump's 14-day war.

Kittleson's kidnapping became a focal point in a broader story of escalating hostilities.