​US Secretary of State Confirms Clearance of Journalist Shelly Kittleson After Kidnapping in Iraq

Axios

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The United States has announced the release of American journalist Shelly Kittleson, who was reportedly kidnapped near Baghdad by members of Kata'ib Hezbollah.

In a statement, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed her release and expressed relief that she is now safe, describing the development as the result of coordinated efforts between US and Iraqi authorities.

According to the US Department of State, multiple agencies were involved in securing her release, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of War, and US personnel working across different services.

The US also acknowledged the role of Iraqi institutions, particularly the Iraqi Supreme Judicial Council, as well as wider Iraqi partners who assisted in the operation.

The statement stressed that the release reflects the administration’s continued commitment to protecting US nationals abroad, adding that the kidnapping or wrongful detention of American citizens “will not be tolerated”.

It further stated that all available tools would continue to be used to secure the return of US citizens and hold perpetrators accountable.

US authorities confirmed that Kittleson is now free and arrangements are being made to support her safe departure from Iraq.



PUKMEDIA