Iran-Backed Militia Frees American Journalist Shelly Kittleson

American journalist Shelly Kittleson, kidnapped from a Baghdad street corner on March 31, has been released after being held captive for a week. According to an Iraqi official with direct knowledge of the situation and confirmed by multiple sources including Al Jazeera and UPI, Kittleson was freed in the afternoon and had been held in Baghdad prior to her release.

The powerful Iran-backed Iraqi militia Kataib Hezbollah announced its decision to free Kittleson earlier in the day. The group stated that this action came 'in appreciation of the patriotic stances' of outgoing Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, as reported by multiple sources including The Guardian, PBS, and HuffPost. However, they added a condition: Kittleson must leave Iraq immediately upon her release.

Kataib Hezbollah had not previously acknowledged responsibility for the abduction, although both U.S. and Iraqi officials had pointed fingers at the group. Two officials within the militia told The Associated Press that in exchange for freeing Kittleson, several members of the group who were detained by Iraqi authorities would be released.

Kittleson, a 49-year-old freelance journalist based in Rome, had built a respected career across the Middle East. She often worked on a tight budget and without the protections afforded by large news organizations. Despite warnings from U.S. officials about threats against her, she chose to remain in Iraq.

According to Iraqi officials, two cars were involved in the kidnapping. One car crashed while being pursued near al-Haswa in Babil province, southwest of Baghdad. The journalist was then transferred to a second car that fled the scene. Negotiations for her release reportedly faced obstacles due to difficulties in communicating with Kataib Hezbollah's leadership.

UPI reported that it is believed Kittleson was held at Turf al-Sakhar, a stronghold of the militia about 40 miles north of Baghdad. The U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the situation. Kittleson's friend and emergency contact, CNN national security analyst Alex Plitsas, confirmed seeing the alleged statement about her release but noted there was no official confirmation from the United States government.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed relief at Kittleson's release, framing it as a reflection of the Trump administration's commitment to American citizens' safety worldwide. The National Press Club also welcomed the news, highlighting the growing threats journalists face while reporting the truth.