Iraqis celebrates US-Iran ceasefire as two-week halt in war begins

The Iraqi armed group Kataib Hezbollah announced the release of abducted US journalist Shelly Kittleson on Tuesday. Kittleson, a 49-year-old freelance reporter, was kidnapped in Baghdad on March 31. Kataib Hezbollah stated the release was conditional on Kittleson leaving Iraq immediately and cited the "national stances" of the outgoing Iraqi prime minister as a factor in their decision. An anonymous source told the Associated Press that the release was in exchange for several imprisoned Kataib Hezbollah members. Press freedom groups, including the Committee to Protect Journalists, had called for Kittleson's release, citing concerns for journalist safety.

American journalist Shelly Kittleson was released in Baghdad a week after being kidnapped on March 31st. The Iran-backed Iraqi militia Kataib Hezbollah claimed responsibility for her release, citing appreciation for the outgoing prime minister and stipulating that she leave the country immediately. While Kataib Hezbollah hadn't previously admitted to the abduction, US and Iraqi officials had suspected their involvement. Sources suggest an exchange occurred involving the release of Kataib Hezbollah members detained by Iraqi authorities. Kittleson, a freelance journalist with extensive experience in the Middle East, had been warned of threats against her before her abduction.

American freelance journalist Shelly Kittleson, who was kidnapped in Baghdad, Iraq, on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, has been released. Kittleson, who has worked in Iraq and Syria for years, was abducted from a street corner in Baghdad's Saadoun Street. The abduction involved two men who forced her into a car. An Iraqi official with direct knowledge of the situation confirmed Kittleson's release to the Associated Press. The reason for her abduction remains unclear.

Kataib Hezbollah, an Iraqi armed group aligned with Iran, announced on Tuesday that it will release abducted US journalist Shelly Kittleson, who was kidnapped in Baghdad in late March. The group stated that Kittleson must leave Iraq immediately upon release. Kittleson, a freelance journalist based in Rome, has covered multiple wars in the Middle East and contributed to Al-Monitor. A video purportedly showing Kittleson was shared by a social media outlet associated with Kataib Hezbollah, though Reuters could not independently verify its authenticity. This video, if confirmed, would be the first images of Kittleson since her abduction.

US freelance journalist Shelly Kittleson, kidnapped in Baghdad, Iraq on March 31st, is reportedly set to be released by the Iran-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah. The group stated the release is in recognition of the outgoing prime minister's national stances, on the condition that Kittleson immediately leaves Iraq. While some Iraqi officials reported her release on Tuesday, her current location remains unclear. The abduction occurred amidst ongoing attacks by Iran and allied militias on US-associated targets. Prior to her kidnapping, US officials had warned Kittleson of threats against her, specifically from Kataib Hezbollah, who allegedly had her name on a list targeting female journalists. The group also claims to possess a recording showing Kittleson's "role and activities in Iraq."

American journalist Shelly Kittleson was kidnapped in Baghdad, Iraq, reportedly by a suspected Iranian-backed Iraqi armed group amid escalating regional tensions following a US-Israeli attack on Iran. The US State Department is working to secure her release, and Iraqi authorities have arrested one suspect believed to be linked to Kataib Hezbollah. CCTV footage shows Kittleson being forced into a car by several men. Iraqi security forces are searching for the remaining individuals involved and focusing their efforts on the eastern part of Baghdad. Kittleson is a freelance journalist known for her reporting on conflict zones in the Middle East.

American freelance journalist Shelly Kittleson, age 49, was kidnapped in Baghdad, Iraq on April 1, 2026. The kidnapping occurred in broad daylight. Kittleson is an American citizen working as a freelance journalist. Iraqi authorities, specifically the interior ministry, have stated they are conducting a high-level search for her. The motive for the kidnapping is currently unknown.