Baghdad, Iraq: Iraq’s powerful armed group Kataib Hezbollah announced on Tuesday that it will release US journalist Shelly Kittleson, one week after she was abducted in Baghdad.
Abu Mujahid al-Assaf, a security official for the Iran-backed group, described the release as an exceptional gesture:
“In recognition of the national stances of the outgoing prime minister, we have decided to release the American defendant Shelly Kittleson, on the condition that she leaves the country immediately.”
He added that such gestures would not be repeated, citing the ongoing “state of war launched by the Zionist-American enemy against Islam,” during which many considerations are discarded.
Security Developments
A senior Iraqi security official told AFP that authorities had arrested a member of a pro-Iran group believed to be connected to Kittleson’s abduction. Washington confirmed that the suspect is thought to be linked to Kataib Hezbollah, a group blacklisted by the United States.
Although the US State Department did not publicly name Kittleson, media advocacy groups and her news outlets identified her as the kidnapped journalist.
Context and Background
Kidnappings in Baghdad were historically common, though they have declined in recent years as security improved. The city remains volatile, with various militias and armed factions maintaining influence.
The case draws parallels with the 2023 kidnapping of Israeli-Russian academic Elizabeth Tsurkov, who was held for two years before being released last year.
The release of Kittleson is expected to de-escalate tensions temporarily between US authorities and Iran-aligned groups operating in Iraq.
