American journalist kidnapped in Baghdad released
American journalist kidnapped in Baghdad released
2026-04-07
Shafaq News – Baghdad
Kataib Hezbollah announced on Tuesday the release of American journalist Shelley Kittleson, who was kidnapped in the Iraqi capital Baghdad a week ago, and instructed her to leave the country immediately.
The security official of the brigades, Abu Mujahid al-Assaf, said in a statement received by Shafaq News Agency that the decision to release her came “in appreciation of the patriotic stances of the outgoing Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani,” stressing that Kittleson “will leave Iraq immediately.”
Al-Assaf added that this step “will not be repeated in the coming days, and that circumstances may be different in the event of a war breaking out,” as he put it.
A report by the American newspaper The New York Times indicated that the Iraqi Hezbollah Brigades faction contacted the Iraqi government offering to negotiate the release of the journalist in exchange for the release of a number of its detained members.
For its part, Amnesty International expressed grave concern for Kittleson’s safety, calling on Iraqi and American authorities to take urgent action to ensure her release and hold those responsible for her abduction accountable.
Kittleson is a freelance journalist based in Rome, collaborating with American and Italian media outlets, including Il Foglio and ANSA, as well as working with international platforms such as ElMonitor, the BBC, and Politico.
Reporters Without Borders had earlier today called for the journalist’s unconditional release, warning of the increasing risks faced by journalists working in conflict zones.
shafaq.com
