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US journalist Shelly Kittleson released by Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah in Iraq
The release follows negotiations that may exchange several detained militia members, and U.S. officials had warned her about threats before the abduction.
- On Tuesday, April 7, 2026, the Iran-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah released American journalist Shelly Kittleson in Baghdad, conditioning her freedom on her immediate departure from Iraq.
- Iraqi and U.S. officials reported the release followed a prisoner exchange, trading Kittleson for several Kataib Hezbollah members previously detained by authorities for attacks on U.S. interests.
- Surveillance footage captured the March 31 abduction, and the militia officially acknowledged responsibility for the first time, citing "in appreciation of the patriotic stances of the outgoing prime minister," Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed her release early Wednesday, stating the U.S. is "relieved" and working to support her safe departure from the country.
- The Committee to Protect Journalists called the abduction an "alarming breach of journalists' safety," noting how Iran-aligned groups use kidnappings as leverage amid regional tensions.
273 Articles
273 Articles
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed Tuesday the release of U.S. journalist Shelly Kittleson, kidnapped a week earlier in Baghdad by pro-Iranian Iraqi militia Kataib Hizbolá, who announced hours before her release "on the condition that she leave the country immediately." "I am pleased to announce the release of U.S. journalist Shelly Kittleson, who was recently abducted by members of the foreign terrorist organization Kataib Hezbollah …
Mother Hopes US Reporter Will Come Home After Being Freed from Kidnappers in Iraq
The mother of an freelance American journalist who was released from captivity in Iraq says she hopes her daughter will finally return home to rural Wisconsin after living abroad for decades Mother Hopes US Reporter Will Come Home After Being Freed from Kidnappers in Iraq.
American journalist abducted by militant group in Iraq freed
(NBC, KYMA) - An American journalist abducted by a militant group in Iraq has been freed. Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrote on X Tuesday saying Shelly Kittleson was released after she was kidnapped in Baghdad last week. Earlier in the day, the Iran-backed Iraqi militia group, Kataib Hezbollah, said she would be released on the condition she leave the country immediately. Secretary Rubio said the State Department is now working to support Kitt…
An Iraqi militia affiliated with Iran released her on the condition that she leave the country immediately.
Inside the release of journalist Shelly Kittleson
American journalist Shelly Kittleson was released in Iraq on Tuesday, one week after she was kidnapped in Baghdad, according to Iraqi officials and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. A senior Iraqi government official told CNN that authorities had received Kittleson and were arranging her travel. Rubio later confirmed her release, saying the U.S. was “working to support her safe departure from Iraq.” I am pleased to announce the release of Am…
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