An American journalist, identified as Shelly Kittleson, was kidnapped in central Baghdad on Tuesday evening. Iraq’s Ministry of Interior has announced that the journalist was "kidnapped by unknown individuals."
A statement from the ministry read, "The Ministry of Interior announces that this evening, a foreign journalist was kidnapped by unknown individuals. Security forces immediately launched an operation to apprehend the perpetrators, acting on precise intelligence and through intensive field operations, tracking the kidnappers' movements. The pursuit resulted in the interception of a vehicle belonging to the kidnappers, which overturned as they attempted to escape. Security forces were able to arrest one of the suspects and seize one of the vehicles used in the crime."
"The Ministry affirms that efforts are ongoing to track down the remaining perpetrators and secure the release of the abducted woman, and to take due legal action against all those involved in this criminal act, in accordance with the law. Investigations are still underway to fully uncover the circumstances of the incident, and further details will be provided later. The Ministry of Interior reiterates its commitment to not permitting any attempt to destabilize security or target foreign guests, and its security forces will remain vigilant and resolute in pursuing lawbreakers and bringing them to justice."
Assistant Secretary of State for Global Public Affairs Dylan Johnson said an Iranian-aligned militia had been involved in Kittleson’s abduction.
"The U.S. Department of State is aware of the reported kidnapping of an American journalist in Baghdad, Iraq. The State Department previously fulfilled our duty to warn this individual of threats against them and we will continue to coordinate with the FBI to ensure their release as quickly as possible.
"An individual with ties to the Iranian-aligned militia group Kataib Hizballah believed to be involved in the kidnapping has been taken into custody by Iraqi authorities. Iraq remains at a Level 4 Travel Advisory and Americans are advised not to travel to Iraq for any reason and to leave Iraq now. The State Department strongly advise all Americans, including members of the press, to adhere to all travel advisories."
Authorities said that Kittleson was abducted near the Baghdad Hotel, with the attackers stopping her vehicle in a busy area, forcibly removing her, and fleeing the scene, per i24. Kittleson has worked for outlets such as Al-Monitor, Foreign Policy, BBC World Service, and more.
A statement released by Al-Monitor read, "We are deeply alarmed by the kidnapping of Al-Monitor contributor Shelly Kittleson in Iraq on Tuesday. We call for her safe and immediate release. We stand by her vital reporting from the region and call for her swift return to continue her important work."
Two senior security officials told the New York Times that Kittleson was taken in a convoy of two cars, which authorities tried to chase down. The car holding Kittleson overturned during the case, however, her abductors quickly moved her to the second car and evaded capture.
