Baghdad: Iraqi security forces launched a high-stakes pursuit Tuesday after kidnappers abducted American freelance journalist Shelly Kittleson in a brazen midday snatch on central Baghdad’s bustling Saadoun Street, officials confirmed, amid rising tensions from Iran-backed militia activities.
Two anonymous Iraqi security sources, unauthorized to speak publicly, confirmed the U.S. woman was moved via two cars; one crashed near Al-Haswa in Babil province during a checkpoint-triggered chase southwest of the capital, AP reported.
Iraq’s interior ministry verified a foreign journalist’s abduction without naming her. It stated security forces intercepted one kidnapper vehicle, which overturned during flight; one suspect was arrested, and a kidnapping car was seized, though others fled. An alert to all checkpoints triggered the pursuit as the group headed toward Babil.
Al-Mon
itor, for which Kittleson freelanced on Iraq and Syria, voiced alarm: “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.”
A US official blamed Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah. Dylan Johnson, US assistant secretary of state for public affairs, posted on X: “An individual with ties to the Iranian-aligned militia group Kataib Hezbollah believed to be involved in the kidnapping has been taken into custody by Iraqi authorities.” He added the State Department had warned Kittleson of threats.
Another US official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Kittleson was warned multiple times — including Monday night — to leave Iraq immediately.
Iraqi officials have not publicly linked the kidnappers to any group.
Iran-backed Iraqi militias have intensified attacks on US targets since the US-Israeli war on Iran began February 28. The US Embassy has since warned of kidnapping risks and advised Americans to depart.
Past cases include Elizabeth Tsurkov, a Princeton student with Israeli-Russian citizenship, kidnapped in Baghdad in 2023 by Kataib Hezbollah, which held her until her release to U.S. authorities in September 2025. The group never claimed responsibility.