An American journalist, Shelly Kittleson, has been kidnapped in Baghdad by a suspected Iranian-backed Iraqi armed group, the US has said. The abduction comes as regional security deteriorates following the US-Israeli attack on Iran.
Kittleson, a longtime freelancer who has reported extensively from Syria, Iraq and Lebanon, was seized by four men in civilian clothes and forced into a car, according to Iraqi police. A surveillance video captured the incident, which occurred in seconds.
The US State Department said it was working to ensure her release 'as soon as possible'. Assistant Secretary of State Dylan Johnson stated that an individual with ties to the Iranian-aligned militia Kataib Hezbollah, believed to be involved, has been taken into custody by Iraqi authorities.
The Iraqi Interior Ministry said security forces intercepted a vehicle that overturned as suspects tried to flee, arresting one suspect and seizing a vehicle. Efforts are ongoing to track down remaining individuals and secure the journalist's release.
Kittleson is known for her in-depth reporting on conflict zones and tribal dynamics in Iraq and Syria. Al-Monitor, for which she has worked, expressed deep alarm and called for her safe and immediate release.
The US has warned Americans of rising risks in Iraq, where Iran has sway over several Shia armed groups, after the US and Israel attacked Iran on 28 February. The State Department reiterated its advice for all Americans to leave Iraq.
