American Journalist Shelly Kittleson Has Been Released After Being Kidnapped in Iraq

The American journalist who was kidnapped in Baghdad, Iraq, has been released.

“I am pleased to announce the release of American journalist Shelly Kittleson, who was recently kidnapped by members of the foreign terrorist organization Kata’ib Hizballah near Baghdad, Iraq,” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced in a Tuesday, April 7 X post.

“The U.S. Department of State extends its appreciation to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of War, U.S. personnel across multiple agencies, and the Iraqi Supreme Judicial Council and our Iraqi partners, for their assistance in securing her release,” Rubio added.

Rubio went on to state that the resolution “reflects the Trump Administration’s steadfast commitment to the safety and security of American citizens, no matter where they are in the world.”

“Under President [Donald] Trump, the wrongful detention or kidnapping of U.S. nationals will not be tolerated. We will continue to use every tool to bring Americans home and to hold accountable those responsible. We are relieved that this American is now free and are working to support her safe departure from Iraq,” his statement concluded.

Kittleson’s abduction raised international concern last month, when TMZ published a report on March 31 claiming the journalist, who works for Al-Monitor, was taken by “unknown people” in Baghdad, citing a statement from Iraq’s Interior Ministry.

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

Kittleson had been reporting in the region, including the tensions between the U.S., Israel and Iran. The Iraqi government said it was actively searching for her at the time.

According to the Associated Press, the militia behind Kittleson’s kidnapping said she was released on the condition that she “leave the country immediately.”

Speaking on anonymity, two officials within the militia told the AP that in exchange for Kittleson’s release, several members of the group who had previously been detained by Iraqi authorities would be released.