American Journalist Shelly Kittleson Released After Baghdad Kidnapping/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ American freelance journalist Shelly Kittleson has been released in Iraq. An Iran-backed militia announced her release after days of negotiations. Officials say she had been held in Baghdad since her kidnapping.
Shelly Kittleson Release Quick Looks
- American journalist released in Baghdad
- Shelly Kittleson kidnapped March 31
- Iran-backed militia linked to abduction
- Kataib Hezbollah announced release
- Iraqi officials negotiated for her freedom
- Kittleson held inside Baghdad
- Militias demanded prisoner release
- Journalist told to leave Iraq immediately
- U.S. State Department yet to comment
- Case highlights risks for freelance reporters
Deep Look: American Journalist Shelly Kittleson Freed After Baghdad Kidnapping
BAGHDAD — American journalist Shelly Kittleson has been released after being kidnapped from a Baghdad street last week, according to an Iraqi official with direct knowledge of the situation.
The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly, confirmed that Kittleson was freed Tuesday afternoon. He did not disclose her exact location but said she had been held in Baghdad before her release.
Kittleson’s release came after the Iran-backed Iraqi militia Kataib Hezbollah announced earlier in the day that it had decided to free the American journalist, who was abducted on March 31.
The militia said the decision was made “in appreciation of the patriotic stances” of outgoing Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. The group provided no additional details but stated that the move would not be repeated in the future.
The militia also said Kittleson must leave Iraq immediately following her release.
Negotiations and Possible Prisoner Exchange
Kataib Hezbollah had not previously acknowledged responsibility for the kidnapping, though U.S. and Iraqi officials had previously pointed to the group.
Two militia officials later told The Associated Press that the release may have been part of a deal involving detained militia members. According to those officials, several Kataib Hezbollah members held by Iraqi authorities could be freed in exchange for Kittleson’s release.
Earlier Tuesday, Iraqi officials indicated negotiations were facing challenges. A Popular Mobilization Forces official had reportedly been assigned to communicate with the kidnappers, but difficulties arose because militia leadership had gone underground.
One Iraqi security official said commanders had disappeared and were difficult to contact due to fears of being targeted.
“The leaders of the Kataib militia are nowhere to be found,” the official said, describing the complicated negotiations.
Details of the Kidnapping
Kittleson, 49, was abducted from a Baghdad street on March 31. Iraqi officials said two vehicles were involved in the kidnapping.
One of the vehicles crashed while being pursued near al-Haswa in Babil province, southwest of Baghdad. Kittleson was then transferred to another vehicle that escaped.
Authorities launched an investigation and began negotiations soon after.
Freelance Journalist With Middle East Experience
Kittleson is a freelance journalist who has built a career reporting across the Middle East, particularly in Iraq and Syria. She previously used Rome as a base while working across the region.
Like many freelance journalists, Kittleson often worked without the institutional protections typically provided by large media organizations.
U.S. officials had previously warned her about security threats in Iraq. Despite those warnings, she returned to the country shortly before her abduction.
Previous Kidnapping Linked to Same Militia
Kataib Hezbollah has been accused of kidnapping foreigners in the past.
In 2023, Princeton graduate student Elizabeth Tsurkov, who held Israeli and Russian citizenship, disappeared in Baghdad. She was released in September 2025 and later said she had been held by Kataib Hezbollah.
The group never formally claimed responsibility for that abduction.
Rising Tensions in Iraq
Iran-backed militias in Iraq have launched repeated attacks on U.S. facilities since the start of the broader regional conflict involving Iran.
These tensions have increased risks for foreign nationals and journalists operating in Iraq.
Kittleson’s release ends a tense standoff but highlights the continuing dangers facing journalists working in conflict zones.
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