US journalist Shelly Kittleson to be released after kidnap in Iraq, militia says
Kataib Hezbollah says the release comes on condition that she leave Iraq immediately.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"In recognition of the national stances of the outgoing prime minister, we have decided to release the American defendant Shelly Kittleson."
— Abu Mujahid al-Assaf , Other
"We have no official confirmation from the United States government that this is true."
— Alex Plitsas , Other
"We are relieved that this American is now freed and are working to support her safe departure from Iraq."
— Marco Rubio , Politician
""We are relieved that this American is now free and are working to support her safe departure from Iraq.""
— Marco Rubio , Politician
"the 'exceptional gesture' would not be repeated again"
— Abu Mujahid al-Assaf , Other
"We are relieved that this American is now free and are working to support her safe departure from Iraq."
— Marco Rubio , Politician
"in appreciation of the patriotic stances of the outgoing prime minister"
— Mohammed Shia al-Sudani , Politician
"We are relieved that this American is now free and are working to support her safe departure from Iraq."
— Marco Rubio , Politician
"The group decided to release Kittleson 'on the condition that she leave the country immediately.'"
— Abu Mujahid al-Assaf , Other
"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."
— Sara Qudah , Executive
Key People
A security official in Kataib Hezbollah.
CNN national security analyst and friend of Shelly Kittleson.
Benjamin Netanyahu is the prime minister of Israel.
Former president of the United States known for his aggressive economic policies.
U.S. Secretary of State.
Iraqi Prime Minister who ordered security forces to pursue those responsible for abducting foreigners.
Iraqi Prime Minister who ordered security forces to track down the attackers.
He is the departing Prime Minister of Iraq.
Sara Qudah is the Regional Director for the Committee to Protect Journalists.
A US freelance journalist known for covering conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria.
Tags
All Coverage
Kataib Hezbollah says the release comes on condition that she leave Iraq immediately.
Shelly Kittleson, an American journalist abducted in Baghdad on March 31, was released on April 7 after negotiations involving the Iran-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah, which demanded the release of detained members in exchange for her freedom.
Kataib Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militia responsible for Shelly Kittleson's abduction in Baghdad, announced her release on the condition that she leave Iraq immediately.
Shelly Kittleson, an American journalist abducted by the Iran-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah in Baghdad, has been released, with the condition that she leave Iraq immediately.
Kataib Hezbollah, the militia holding Shelly Kittleson, announced her release after a week in captivity, stipulating that she must leave Iraq immediately.
Shelly Kittleson, an American journalist abducted in Baghdad on March 31, was released after eight days in captivity, with the condition that she leave Iraq immediately.
Kataib Hezbollah announced the release of Shelly Kittleson, an American journalist kidnapped in Baghdad, on the condition that she leaves Iraq immediately, citing appreciation for the outgoing Iraqi Prime Minister's stances.
Shelly Kittleson, a U.S. journalist abducted in Baghdad by the Iran-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah, was released on April 7 in a prisoner swap with Iraq, with the militia demanding her immediate departure from the country.
Shelly Kittleson, an American journalist abducted in Baghdad on March 31, was released on April 7 after being held by the Iran-backed militia Kata'ib Hezbollah, which had targeted her for kidnapping.
Shelly Kittleson, an American journalist kidnapped in Baghdad on March 31, was released on April 7 after negotiations with the Iran-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah, which demanded the release of detained members in exchange for her freedom.
Shelly Kittleson, an American journalist kidnapped in Baghdad on March 31, was released on April 7 after negotiations with the Iran-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah, which demanded the release of detained members in exchange for her freedom.
Shelly Kittleson, a U.S. journalist abducted from a Baghdad street corner on March 31, was released on April 7, with the Iran-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah stating the release was in appreciation of the outgoing Iraqi Prime Minister's national positions.
Shelly Kittleson, an American journalist kidnapped in Baghdad on March 31, was released on April 7 after negotiations with the Iran-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah, which demanded the release of detained members in exchange for her freedom.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
US and Lebanon protecting wanted Syrian general, BBC finds
Bassam al-Hassan, linked to reporter Austin Tice's abduction, is being sheltered in return for information.
October 8, 2026 at 05:00 AMChrista Pike now walking after failed US execution, lawyer tells BBC
A lawyer says the murderer of Colleen Slemmer is moving around her hospital room after surviving two lethal injections.
October 8, 2026 at 08:13 AMUS murderer Christa Pike discharged from hospital 10 days after failed execution
Pike's lawyers say she is "grateful" to the medical team who cared for her after she survived two lethal injections last month.
October 10, 2026 at 05:44 PMTennessee execution survivor Christa Pike is conscious and speaking, lawyers say - Reuters
Tennessee execution survivor Christa Pike is conscious and speaking, lawyers say Reuters
October 6, 2026 at 11:30 PMChrista Pike 'angry and confused' after failed execution, lawyers say
Lawyers say the convicted killer was surprised to have survived and remained "shackled" to her hospital bed.
October 7, 2026 at 09:51 PMEXCLUSIVE: Lebanon's Hezbollah gets $200 million from Iran to help displaced, sources say - Reuters
EXCLUSIVE: Lebanon's Hezbollah gets $200 million from Iran to help displaced, sources say Reuters
October 7, 2026 at 06:11 PM