American Journalist Shelly Kittleson Abducted in Iraq as Shocking Video Emerges

American journalist Shelly Kittleson has reportedly been abducted in Iraq, sparking international concern.

According to TMZ in a report published Tuesday, March 31, Kittleson — who has reported for outlets including the BBC and Politico — was taken in Baghdad by “unknown people,” per Iraq’s Interior Ministry.

The incident, per the outlet, reportedly occurred near the Palestine Hotel on Al-Saadoun Street, a central area of the city.

Disturbing video circulating online appears to capture the moment of the kidnapping. The footage shows a car pulling up before two men approach an individual on the street, force them into the vehicle and speed away.

Authorities have not officially confirmed the video’s authenticity, but the clip has intensified fears about Kittleson’s safety.

Kittleson had recently been reporting in the region, including covering developments tied to rising tensions between the U.S., Israel and Iran as part of President Trump’s Operation Epic Fury.

The Iraqi government, per the outlet, says it is actively searching for her and has reportedly arrested one suspect in connection with the abduction.

The situation underscores ongoing dangers for journalists working in conflict zones. The U.S. State Department has previously warned Americans against traveling to Iraq due to risks including terrorism, armed conflict and kidnapping.

It is unclear if President Donald Trump is aware of the kidnapping. As the news broke, he took to Truth Social to address another matter.

“Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and I are working on fixing the absolutely filthy Reflecting Pool between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument,” he shared on Tuesday, March 31. “This work was supposed to be done by the Biden Administration, but Sleepy Joe doesn’t know what ‘CLEAN’ or proper maintenance is — The President and Secretary do!”