Armed men abducted American journalist Shelly Kittleson from her car in Baghdad on March 31, as captured on CCTV footage. Iraqi security forces pursued the kidnappers, arresting one suspect linked to the Iran-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah after their vehicle overturned. The US State Department confirmed it had warned Kittleson of threats and is coordinating with the FBI for her release.
CCTV video shared by journalist Trey Yingst shows the moment armed men stopped Kittleson’s car in a Baghdad street, pulled her out, and fled with her. Iraqi security forces immediately gave chase but initially failed to intercept them, according to reports from the scene on March 31, 2026. Kittleson, a Rome-based freelancer who has reported for Al-Monitor, BBC, POLITICO, and others on Middle East conflicts including Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan, was in Baghdad covering Iraqi politics for Al-Monitor at the time. CNN national security analyst Alex Plitsas stated on X that Kataib Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militia with ties to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, likely carried out the kidnapping. The Iraqi Ministry of Interior announced that forces launched an operation based on precise intelligence, tracking the kidnappers’ movements. “The pursuit resulted in the interception of a vehicle belonging to the kidnappers, which overturned as they attempted to escape. Security forces were able to arrest one of the suspects and seize one of the vehicles used in the crime,” the ministry said in a statement. Efforts continue to rescue Kittleson and apprehend remaining suspects. Assistant Secretary of State Dylan Johnson said on X that the State Department was aware of the kidnapping and had previously warned Kittleson of threats against her. “We will continue to coordinate with the FBI to ensure their release as quickly as possible,” he stated. Johnson noted that Iraqi authorities had taken into custody an individual with ties to Kataib Hezbollah believed involved. Iraq remains under a Level 4 US travel advisory, with Americans urged not to travel there, including members of the press. Press freedom groups voiced alarm. The Committee to Protect Journalists called on Iraqi authorities to locate and release Kittleson and hold those responsible accountable. Reporters Without Borders and Al-Monitor also demanded her swift return.
