American journalist Shelly Kittleson kidnapped in Iraq

CBS News • April 1, 2026 • general

Key Points:

American journalist Shelly Kittleson was kidnapped in Baghdad on Tuesday, with Iraqi authorities arresting one suspect linked to the Iranian-backed militia Kata'ib Hezbollah, which had previously threatened her.
The U.S. government had warned Kittleson about specific threats from Kata'ib Hezbollah, including a list targeting female journalists, but she proceeded with her travel despite the risks.
Multiple U.S. agencies, including the FBI, State Department, National Security Council, and Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service, are actively coordinating efforts to secure her release.
Kittleson, an experienced freelance reporter for AI-Monitor, was traveling to Iraq despite warnings and had been reassured by a local family about her safety; her employer has called for her immediate release.
The U.S. Embassy had recently issued warnings about threats from Iran-aligned militias targeting Americans in Iraq, urging U.S. citizens to leave the country for their safety.

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