American journalist Shelly Kittleson, who was abducted in Baghdad, Iraq, on March 31, is set to be released by her captors, as stated by the Iran-aligned group that purportedly took her.
Abu Mujahid al-Assaf, a security representative of the Hezbollah Brigades, also known as Kataib Hezbollah, revealed that Kittleson’s release is contingent upon her immediate departure from the country.
In a statement, al-Assaf remarked, “This initiative will not be repeated in the near future, as we are engaged in a conflict against the Zionist-American adversary targeting Islam, and many factors become irrelevant in such circumstances.”
Kittleson, a 49-year-old freelance journalist hailing from Wisconsin, was reportedly seized in broad daylight while walking on a street in Baghdad, according to the Iraqi Ministry of Interior.
Security footage, verified by ABC News and corroborated by the Iraqi authorities, captured the incident, showing a silver vehicle approaching Kittleson as individuals forcibly took her and drove off.
A second vehicle allegedly involved in the kidnapping crashed during the escape, resulting in the arrest of one occupant by Iraqi security personnel, according to Dylan Johnson, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Global Public Affairs.
The detained individual is connected to Kataib Hezbollah, Johnson noted in a statement released on Tuesday.
As the search for Kittleson intensified, U.S. officials issued a renewed warning to American citizens in Iraq, urging them to evacuate immediately due to potential attacks by Iranian-aligned militia groups in central Baghdad.
This advisory comes as the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran continues into its second month.
Johnson also mentioned that the State Department had cautioned Kittleson about threats against her well in advance and was working closely with the FBI to facilitate her release.
Kiran Nazish, director of the Coalition for Women in Journalism, informed ABC News last week that threats to journalists operating in Iraq and throughout the Middle East are prevalent, and Kittleson had previously faced such dangers.
Describing Kittleson as a colleague, Nazish emphasized that she is a determined reporter with a deep understanding of the region, noting that she is “very vigilant and careful.”
“She possesses a robust network of trusted allies who ensure her safety, and I do not believe she would operate without that support,” Nazish added.
This story is still unfolding, and updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
