Summary
A US journalist named Shelly Kittleson, who was kidnapped in Baghdad, Iraq, is reportedly going to be released by an Iran-backed militia. The group states that this release depends on her leaving Iraq immediately. Although reports suggest she has been released, her exact location remains unclear.
Key Facts
- Shelly Kittleson was kidnapped in Baghdad on March 31.
- Kataib Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militia, announced it would release her if she leaves Iraq right away.
- The New York Times and Associated Press reported her release based on Iraqi official sources, but her current whereabouts are unknown.
- Iraqi security forces pursued the suspects, leading to one arrest after a car overturned.
- The kidnapping is linked to ongoing tensions involving Iran, Iraqi Shia militias, and US targets in the region.
- Kittleson was previously warned by US officials about threats from Iran-backed militias.
- Kittleson is a journalist who has reported from conflict zones in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria.
- The US State Department advises against travel to Iraq.
