US Journalist Kidnapped in Baghdad, Linked to Iran-Backed Group

A US-based freelancer was seized in Baghdad, Iraq’s capital, on Tuesday evening, according to Iraqi and US officials. The abduction is tied to a militia group supported by Iran, as revealed by authorities. Al-Monitor, a news outlet where the journalist has contributed, reported the incident, stating she was taken near a hotel in the city’s central district.

The Iraqi interior ministry said security forces pursued the abductors, leading to a car accident and the capture of one suspect. A detained individual connected to an Iranian-aligned group, Kataib Hezbollah, was identified by US officials. Dylan Johnson, assistant secretary of state for global public affairs, confirmed the kidnapping via X but did not disclose the journalist’s name.

“The State Department previously fulfilled our duty to warn this individual of threats against them and we will continue to coordinate with the FBI to ensure their release as quickly as possible,” Johnson stated.

US officials had warned Kittleson multiple times about potential dangers, including as late as Monday night. The state department provided the BBC with a statement: “Due to privacy and other considerations, we have nothing further to share at this time.” Al-Monitor emphasized its concern over the incident, urging for her safe and immediate return.

An Iraqi official, speaking to CBS, noted that local authorities are collaborating at the highest level to secure her release. Emergency contact Alex Plitsas, a CNN national security analyst, confirmed Kittleson had been informed of a specific threat from Iran-backed paramilitaries. He added that her name appeared on a list held by Kataib Hezbollah, which was reportedly planning to target female journalists.

“Security forces immediately launched an operation to apprehend the perpetrators, acting on precise intelligence and through intensive field operations, tracking the kidnappers’ movements,” the interior ministry said in a translated statement. “The pursuit resulted in the interception of a vehicle belonging to the kidnappers, which overturned as they attempted to escape.”

Authorities described the abductors as “unknown individuals” and pledged ongoing efforts to locate the remaining suspects and pursue legal action. Kittleson, currently based in Rome, Italy, has reported on conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. Her professional profile on X lists contributions to various publications.

Multiple agencies, including the FBI, National Security Council, Delta Force, and the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service, are engaged in discussions regarding her abduction. Despite Baghdad’s history of kidnappings, recent security improvements have seen a decline in such incidents.