American journalist Shelly Kittleson was kidnapped in Baghdad on Tuesday, according to multiple sources familiar with the situation, as well as an Iraqi official.
Iraq’s Interior Ministry confirmed that a foreign journalist had been abducted by “unknown individuals,” though it did not initially identify the victim. Authorities stated that security forces have since arrested one suspect and seized a vehicle believed to have been used in the kidnapping. Investigations are ongoing as officials attempt to determine the perpetrators and secure the journalist’s release.
Alex Plitsas, a CNN national security analyst and Kittleson’s designated U.S. contact, confirmed the abduction to CBS News. He revealed that prior to the incident, the U.S. government had warned Kittleson of a credible threat against her safety. According to Plitsas, the Iranian-backed paramilitary group Kata’ib Hezbollah was believed to be targeting female journalists, with intentions to kidnap or potentially kill them.
Kittleson had reportedly been informed that her name appeared on a list held by the group. A second source confirmed that she was aware of the potential risk but may have considered the warning unreliable or based on inaccurate intelligence.
The kidnapping highlights growing risks for journalists operating in Iraq amid heightened regional tensions and the presence of armed groups with links to Iran. It also raises concerns over the targeting of foreign media personnel, particularly women, in conflict-sensitive environments.
U.S. and Iraqi authorities are expected to continue coordination efforts in response to the incident, as pressure mounts to locate and safely recover Kittleson.
