U.S. journalist kidnapped in Baghdad as Iraqi forces pursue suspects

An American freelance journalist was abducted Tuesday in Baghdad and Iraqi security forces are actively pursuing those responsible, The Associated Press reported.

Later, Al-Monitor identified the journalist as Shelly Kittleson, a longtime contributor to the outlet who has reported extensively from Iraq and Syria. Iraqi officials also confirmed that a foreign journalist had been kidnapped but did not release further details.

Authorities reported that two vehicles were involved in the abduction. One of them crashed during a pursuit near Al-Haswa in Babil province, after which the journalist was transferred to another vehicle that escaped. Iraqi forces later intercepted one of the suspects’ vehicles, which overturned during the chase. One individual has been arrested, while others remain at large.

American authorities believe that the Iran-aligned militia Kata’ib Hezbollah is involved, though Iraqi authorities have not publicly confirmed any affiliation. The U.S. State Department said it is monitoring the situation, noting that the journalist had received multiple warnings about security risks prior to the incident.