Iran-Backed Militia Kataib Hezbollah Kidnaps American Journalist Shelly Kittleson in Baghdad
Image: ʿImād lil-iʿlām

Iran-Backed Militia Kataib Hezbollah Kidnaps American Journalist Shelly Kittleson in Baghdad

31 March, 2026.Crime.51 sources

Key Takeaways

  • Shelly Kittleson, American freelance journalist, kidnapped in Baghdad.
  • Iraqi interior ministry says security forces launched a manhunt; one suspect arrested.
  • Suspect tied to Kataib Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militia, per State Department.

Journalist Kidnapped in Baghdad

Shelly Kittleson was abducted in Baghdad by unidentified assailants.

One suspect linked to Kataib Hezbollah was arrested.

Image from ABC News
ABC NewsABC News

US officials had warned her of threats multiple times.

Kittleson's Background and Coverage

Kittleson is a US citizen based in Rome with extensive war zone reporting experience.

Her kidnapping recalls the case of Elizabeth Tsurkov held by Kataib Hezbollah.

Image from ABC7 San Francisco
ABC7 San FranciscoABC7 San Francisco

US-Israel Campaign Kills 1,300 Iranians

The abduction occurred amid the US-Israeli "Operation Epic Fury."

The campaign killed 1,300 Iranians by the second week.

Khamenei was killed in the first 24 hours.

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