Kataib Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militia in Iraq, announced it has decided to release an American journalist who was kidnapped in Baghdad last month.
The militia “decided to release the American suspect, Shelly Kittleson, on the condition that she leaves the country immediately,” stated Abu Mujahid al-Assaf, the security chief of Kataib Hezbollah, in a post on Telegram.
“This initiative will not be repeated in the coming days,” the message concludes. “We are in a state of war waged by the Zionist-American enemy against Islam, and in such circumstances many considerations no longer apply.”
Kittleson was abducted in Baghdad at the end of last month. According to a source familiar with the matter, the U.S. Government had warned her shortly before her disappearance about a plan by Kataib Hezbollah to kidnap or kill her. This warning came while she was already reporting in Iraq.
Kataib Hezbollah is a militia group backed by Iran that has repeatedly attacked Americans.
Last week, the Iraqi Ministry of Interior stated in a release that a foreign journalist had been kidnapped in central Baghdad by unknown individuals on Tuesday night.
Iraqi security forces arrested one suspect and seized one of the vehicles used in the kidnapping, according to the statement. The statement noted that security forces had launched an operation to locate those responsible and secure the journalist’s release.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Shelly Kittleson?
Shelly Kittleson is an American journalist specializing in the Middle East and Afghanistan, with work published in international, American, and Italian media.
What did Kataib Hezbollah say about her release?
Kataib Hezbollah stated they decided to release Shelly Kittleson on the condition that she leaves Iraq immediately. They also stated this initiative will not be repeated.
Was the U.S. Government aware of a potential threat to Kittleson?
According to a source familiar with the matter, the U.S. Government warned Kittleson shortly before her abduction about a plan by Kataib Hezbollah to kidnap or kill her.
Given the complex geopolitical landscape, what impact might this incident have on the safety of journalists reporting from conflict zones?
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