Shelly Kittleson, an American journalist, has left Iraq after being held captive in Baghdad for about a week. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah released her and that U.S. officials supported her safe departure. The militia linked the release to outgoing Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and warned the move would not be repeated. U.S. and Iraqi officials had earlier indicated the group was likely responsible for the abduction.
Shelly Kittleson Freed After Weeklong Captivity in Baghdad, Departs Iraq With U.S. Support
Shelly Kittleson leaves Iraq after release from captivity
American journalist Shelly Kittleson has left Iraq after being released from captivity, officials and media reports said.
What Happened
Kiran Nazish, founding director of the Coalition for Women in Journalism, told NewsNation that Kittleson departed the country after spending about a week held in Baghdad. A source also told NewsNation that Kittleson had previously been warned to leave Iraq prior to her abduction.
Who Claimed Responsibility
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on X that the Iran-backed Iraqi militia group Kataib Hezbollah released Kittleson and that the U.S. government was "working to support her safe departure from Iraq." Kataib Hezbollah said it freed Kittleson "in appreciation of the patriotic stances of the outgoing prime minister, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani," adding that "this initiative will not be repeated in the future."
Earlier reports indicated the group had not publicly claimed responsibility for the abduction, although U.S. and Iraqi officials had suggested Kataib Hezbollah was likely involved.
Current Status
Nazish said she had not yet spoken directly with Kittleson and could not confirm the journalist's exact location, but that U.S. officials are providing care and assistance. Regional outlets also reported related developments, including Iranian media coverage claiming the Strait of Hormuz had been closed.
Context: The release and evacuation come amid heightened tensions involving militia groups in Iraq and broader regional dynamics. Authorities have not provided extensive public details about the circumstances of the detention or the release.
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