Shelly Kittleson: US journalist freed a week after kidnapping in Iraq; Kataib Hezbollah says she must…
American freelance journalist Shirley Kitson U.S. and Iraqi officials confirmed she had been released a week after she was kidnapped in central Baghdad. Ahead of her release, the Iran-aligned Iraqi militia Kataib Hezbollah publicly announced that she would be released on the condition that she “leave the country immediately” upon release.
Kitson is taken away by Katab Hezbollah March 31, a street corner in Baghdad.
“We are relieved that the American has now been released and are working to support her safe departure from Iraq,” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement on Sunday.
He expressed gratitude for the efforts of Iraqi authorities, the FBI, the U.S. Department of Defense and other U.S. agencies to facilitate Kitson’s release.
Statements from Iraqi Officials and Kataeb Hezbollah on Kittelson’s Release
The Associated Press, citing anonymous sources within the militia, said Kitson was released in exchange for several imprisoned Kataeb Hezbollah members.
Alex Plitsas, Kittelson’s friend and emergency contact, said U.S. officials issued multiple warnings about credible threats before she was abducted.
In Wisconsin, Kitson’s mother expressed uncertainty about her daughter’s freedom.
An Iraqi official told The Associated Press that Kitson was released in the afternoon. The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Kitson was being held in Baghdad before being released.
Kataeb Hezbollah said in a statement that its decision was taken “out of patriotism for outgoing” Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, without providing further details.
The group also said it “will not repeat this move in the future.”
Who is Shirley Kitson?
KittelsonThe 49-year-old was kidnapped in Baghdad on March 31. At the time, Iraqis said security forces were pursuing suspects, leading to vehicle collisions and the arrest of at least one person in connection with the kidnapping. Since then, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani ordered a targeted manhunt for those suspected of kidnapping foreigners.
The incident occurred against the backdrop of rising tensions Iraq and surrounding areas, where Iran-aligned Shiite militias have stepped up attacks on U.S.-linked targets in the context of the broader conflict related to the U.S.-Israeli struggle with Iran.
Based in Rome, Kittelson is a seasoned journalist with experience covering wars and insurgencies in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria for several international media organizations.
The U.S. State Department currently advises U.S. citizens not to travel to Iraq, citing ongoing security threats, militia activity and the risk of kidnapping.
(with AP input)
