Shelly Kittleson was taken by armed men; authorities point to militia linked to Iran
American journalist Shelly Kittleson was kidnapped on Tuesday (31 March 2026) in Baghdad. Authorities from the United States and Iraq reported that she had received several security alerts in the previous days, including a warning the day before the crime.
The kidnapping was recorded on video, which shows the journalist being taken by a vehicle on a street in the capital. Iraqi security forces pursued the suspects. One of them was arrested after an accident, while others fled in a second car carrying the victim.
🎥 US journalist is kidnapped in Baghdad after risk warnings
🚨 American journalist Shelly Kittleson was kidnapped on Tuesday (March 31, 2026) in Baghdad. Authorities in the United States and Iraq reported that she had received several warnings of…
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According to Iraqi authorities, Shelly Kittleson may be being held captive in Baghdad. One suspect remains under interrogation, and security teams are trying to locate the others involved.
An intelligence official told the Associated Press that Iranian-linked militias posed a specific threat against the journalist. American authorities point to Kataib Hezbollah, an Iraqi militia linked to Iran, as responsible for the kidnapping, although the group has not claimed responsibility for the action. The Iraqi government has not confirmed authorship.
The prime minister’s advisor, Hussein Alawi, said the case is being monitored by security agencies under the supervision of Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.
Before the kidnapping, the journalist tried to enter Iraq via the Syrian border, but was blocked due to lack of accreditation and security risks. He later managed to enter the country on a temporary visa.
The United States Department of State stated that it had warned the journalist about the threats. According to an employee interviewed by the Associated Press, she was contacted several times, including the day before the kidnapping.
