An Iran-backed militia in Iraq announced Tuesday that it plans to release Shelly Kittleson, a freelance American journalist who was kidnapped in Baghdad on March 31. The group, Kataib Hezbollah, stated the release is contingent upon Kittleson leaving Iraq immediately.
Abu Mujahid al-Assaf, a security official for the militia, issued a statement regarding the decision. "In recognition of the national stances of the outgoing prime minister, we have decided to release the American defendant Shelly Kittleson," al-Assaf said.
While The New York Times and The Associated Press reported that Kittleson was released on Tuesday citing Iraqi official sources, her precise whereabouts remain unconfirmed. Alex Plitsas, a CNN national security analyst and designated emergency contact for Kittleson, said he had seen the militia's statement but noted that the U.S. government has provided no official confirmation of her return.
Specific threats against journalists
Kittleson, 49, is a Rome-based journalist with a history of reporting from conflict zones, including Afghanistan, Syria, and Iraq. Prior to her abduction, U.S. officials had contacted her multiple times to warn of specific threats against her safety.
Plitsas told CBS News that Kittleson had been informed that her name appeared on a list held by Kataib Hezbollah. The group was reportedly plotting to kidnap or kill female journalists operating in the region.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa al-Sudani ordered security forces to track down those responsible for the abduction last week. At the time of the kidnapping, local security forces engaged in a vehicle pursuit of the suspects, which resulted in a crash and the arrest of at least one individual.
Despite the announcement of her release, al-Assaf claimed the group intends to publish a recording detailing Kittleson’s "role and activities in Iraq." He did not provide further context regarding the content of the recording.
The abduction occurred during a period of heightened regional tension involving Iran-aligned militias and U.S.-associated targets. The U.S. State Department currently maintains a travel warning advising all citizens to avoid travel to Iraq.
