Rubio says kidnapped American journalist has been released by pro-Iran militia in Iraq
By Max Saltman, Eyad Kourdi, Kylie Atwood, Brad Lendon, CNN
(CNN) — US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Tuesday that kidnapped American journalist Shelly Kittleson has been released by a pro-Iran militia in Iraq.
Kittleson was received by the Iraqi government, which is processing her travel arrangements, a senior Iraqi government official told CNN. He also stated that the government made extensive efforts to ensure her safety.
Kittleson, who specializes in Middle East reporting, had been taken captive by Kataib Hezbollah, a pro-Iran militia in Iraq, last month.
“The U.S. Department of State extends its appreciation to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of War, U.S. personnel across multiple agencies, and the Iraqi Supreme Judicial Council and our Iraqi partners, for their assistance in securing her release,” Rubio said in a statement on X.
“We are relieved that this American is now free and are working to support her safe departure from Iraq,” Rubio wrote.
On Tuesday, Kataib Hezbollah security chief Abu Mujahid al-Assaf said in a Telegram post that the group decided to release Kittleson “on the condition that she leave the country immediately.”
According to a source familiar with the matter, the US government had warned Kittleson shortly before her disappearance of a Kataib Hezbollah plot to kidnap or kill her. The warning came while she was already reporting in Iraq.
The abduction sparked an operation from Iraqi security forces to track down those responsible and secure her release.
The US government was tracking the kidnapping and working with the Iraqis to secure her release, a US official said.
The US Embassy in Iraq has repeatedly warned US citizens to leave the country since the conflict with Iran began in late February, cautioning that Iranian-backed militias could attempt to kidnap Americans. “Do not travel to Iraq for any reason. Depart immediately if you are there,” the embassy said in its latest statement over the weekend.
After she was captured, Al-Monitor, a US-based news organization where Kittleson is a contributor, called for her “safe and immediate release.”
“We stand by her vital reporting from the region and call for her swift return to continue her important work,” the statement added.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), and the Foley Foundation wrote a joint letter to Rubio, asking him to work on securing Kittleson’s release.
The CPJ urged Iraqi authorities to take “all necessary measures” to free Kittleson.
“The abduction of Shelly Kittleson in broad daylight reflects an alarming breach of journalists’ safety in Iraq that highlights the increased risk of reporting from the Middle East,” said CPJ Regional Director Sara Qudah.
This story has been updated with new developments.
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