In brief
Shelly Kittleson, a US journalist kidnapped in Baghdad on March 31, has been released under the condition she leave Iraq immediately. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed her release and thanked Iraqi officials for their support. Kittleson's kidnapping points to escalating dangers for journalists in Iraq, particularly from Iran-affiliated groups. The US State Department continues to discourage travel to Iraq due to safety concerns.
A US freelance journalist who was kidnapped in the Iraqi capital Baghdad a week ago has been released, according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Iran-backed militia group Kataib Hezbollah said earlier on Tuesday that it would release Shelly Kittleson, who was taken on 31 March, on the condition that she leave Iraq immediately.
Rubio stated that the release reflects the Trump Administration's steadfast commitment to the safety and security of American citizens, no matter where they are in the world.
He thanked Iraqi officials for their help in securing her release and mentioned that the US is now working on supporting her safe departure from Iraq.
At the time of the 49-year-old's abduction, the Iraqi government indicated that security forces had pursued the suspects, leading to the arrest of one individual.
Last week, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa al-Sudani had ordered security forces to identify and pursue those responsible for abducting foreigners.
In a separate announcement, the militia group said it would release a recording detailing Kittleson's role and activities in Iraq.
The kidnapping occurred amidst ongoing attacks by Iran and its allied Iraqi Shia militias targeting US-associated entities across Iraq and the wider region since the escalation of the US-Israel conflict with Iran.
Kittleson's friend and CNN national security analyst Alex Plitsas confirmed he had seen reports regarding her release, but emphasized the lack of official confirmation from the US government.
It has been reported that US officials had previously warned Kittleson of potential threats against her.
Plitsas noted that Kittleson had been informed that her name was listed by Kataib Hezbollah, which was reportedly plotting to kidnap or harm female journalists.
Kittleson, based in Rome, Italy, has covered conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria, contributing to various publications.
The US State Department continues to advise against travel to Iraq for its citizens due to security risks.
