Summary
The Iraqi armed group Kataib Hezbollah released Shelly Kittleson, a U.S. journalist, who was abducted in Baghdad. Kittleson’s release required her to leave Iraq immediately, and it reportedly involved a swap for several imprisoned members of the group.
Key Facts
- Shelly Kittleson, a U.S. journalist, was abducted in Baghdad on March 31.
- Kataib Hezbollah claimed responsibility for her kidnapping and later announced her release.
- Her release was dependent on her immediate departure from Iraq.
- The release involved an exchange for several imprisoned Kataib Hezbollah members.
- Kataib Hezbollah cited Iraq's outgoing prime minister's national stances as a reason for her release.
- The Committee to Protect Journalists and other press freedom groups called for her release.
- Kittleson is based in Rome when not reporting from the Middle East.
- U.S. officials had previously warned Kittleson about safety threats in Iraq.
