American Journalist Released After Kidnapping in Iraq
April 7, 2026
The Daily Beast
LinkedInAmerican journalist Shelly Kittleson is free after being kidnapped from a street corner in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad on March 31, according to the Associated Press. The Iranian-aligned militia Kataib Hezbollah was behind the abduction. Leaders of the group said their decision to release Kittleson was made “in appreciation of the patriotic stances of the outgoing prime minister” Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, the leader of Iraq.
“This initiative will not be repeated in the future,” the group said, adding that Kittleson must leave the country following her release. Kittleson had reported for many news outlets from Iraq and other parts of the Middle East, including in Syria. The U.S. State Department has not yet made a public statement regarding the release. The official who told the Associated Press about Kittleson’s release did not reveal her current location but confirmed that she had been held in Baghdad prior to her release. Video released of her capture shows two men walking across the street towards the journalist. Soon after they approached her, she was pushed into a silver sedan and driven off. Read more at The Daily Beast.
The Daily Beast
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