American journalist Shirley Kittelson was reportedly kidnapped in the Iraqi capital by the Iran-backed armed group Kataeb Hezbollah Baghdadshared her last Instagram post on March 21. The 49-year-old was abducted on Tuesday, March 31, an incident confirmed by Al-Monitor, an independent media outlet for which she writes. Kitson is from Monticello, Wisconsin.
We are deeply shocked to learn that Al-Monitor writer Shelly Kitson was kidnapped in Iraq on Tuesday, according to the New York Post. We call for her immediate and safe release. “The New York Post reported, and Al-Monitor said in a statement.
Learn more | American journalist Shirley Kittelson kidnapped in broad daylight in Iraq; video of kidnapping surface
“We support her important reporting in the region and call on her to return quickly to continue her important work,” the statement concluded.
Shirley Kitson’s last post
In one of his last Instagram posts, written more than a week before his abduction, Kittelson shared a photo of an empty desert with dark clouds in the sky. “Syrian desert. March 2026,” she wrote in the post.
Meanwhile, Middle East Uncovered shared Kittleson’s report on Instagram five days ago. The media wrote in the reporter’s label, “Sherkitsen reported from the field in Syria that a faint sense of calm reigned in Damascus as authorities tried to reassure foreign powers and avoid being drawn into the conflict. Some families said they were bringing relatives back home from other countries in the region to ensure their safety as they hoped to overcome all odds and avoid an escalation of the conflict.”
The title of the article is “Can Syria maintain stability amid regional escalation?”
Many well-wishers commented under the “Middle East Revealed” post, praying for Kitson’s safe return.
“I hope you get home safe. I’m praying for you and my heart is with you,” one user wrote. Another said, “I wish America would send Delta Force to take you home.”
Learn more | Who is Shirley Kitson? 5 things to know about the American journalist kidnapped in Iraq
“I hope Shirley you come home safe! Praying for you,” one user said, while another commented, “Oh dear friend I hope you are safe…and back to us soon…”
Shirley Kitson kidnapping
Kitson’s abduction was caught on camera, and video shared by local media on X reportedly showed armed men stopping her at a busy intersection in Baghdad and strapping her into the back seat of a car. Kitson has written extensively for BBC World, Politico and Foreign Policy.
Kitson was reportedly ambushed near a Baghdad hotel near the heavily fortified Green Zone. Two vehicles were reportedly involved in her abduction.
No one has claimed responsibility for Kitson’s kidnapping. However, a former Pentagon official believes the journalist may have been held hostage by an Iraqi Shia paramilitary group.
“I can confirm that my friend Shelly Kittleson was kidnapped and possibly held hostage by Khatib Hezbollah in Baghdad. Her whereabouts and condition are unknown. I am her designated U.S. contact. If you have information, please provide it to law enforcement and send me a private message,” Alex Plitsas write on X.
Kitson reportedly spent years reporting from war zones Afghanistan, Iraqand Syria.
