American journalist abducted in Baghdad, suspected Iran-backed group involved

KATHMANDU: An American freelance journalist has been kidnapped in Baghdad, with Iraqi and US officials pointing to individuals linked to the Iran-backed armed group Kataib Hezbollah.

Shelly Kittleson, a contributor to the news portal Al-Monitor, was taken on Tuesday evening near a hotel in central Baghdad.

The Iraqi Interior Ministry said that during a security operation pursuing the kidnappers’ vehicle, one car overturned, leading to the arrest of a suspect.

US Assistant Secretary of State Dylan Johnson confirmed the abduction, without naming the journalist.

On the social media platform X, he said the individual had previously been warned of potential threats and added that the FBI is coordinating with Iraqi authorities to secure her safe release.

US officials reportedly contacted Kittleson several times until Monday night to alert her to security risks.

According to Alex Plitsas, Kittleson’s emergency contact and a CNN national security analyst, she had been specifically warned that Kataib Hezbollah was targeting female journalists, with her name on a potential threat list.

Iraqi authorities said high-level efforts are ongoing to free the journalist. The Interior Ministry stated it is conducting intensive operations, relying on precise intelligence, to locate and arrest those responsible.

Al-Monitor described the abduction as “deeply concerning” and called for Kittleson’s immediate and safe release.

The US State Department declined to provide further details, citing privacy considerations.