US journalist Shelly Kittleson poses for a picture in Baghdad on March 31, 2026. Kittleson was kidnapped on March 31, in Baghdad by a suspected Iranian-backed Iraqi armed group, the United States said, as regional security deteriorates following the U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran. (Credit: AFP)
The scene unfolded in broad daylight on Tuesday, March 31, on a busy avenue in downtown Baghdad. Surveillance images shared on social networks show two men forcing a woman, later identified as U.S. journalist Shelly Kittleson, into the back of a car.Alerted by witnesses, Iraqi authorities responded quickly and indicated that following a chase, a vehicle "belonging to the kidnappers, which overturned as they tried to flee," was intercepted, allowing security forces to "arrest one of the suspects and seize one of the vehicles used in the crime."Four men in civilian clothing, traveling in two cars, are believed to be involved. The arrested man was reportedly affiliated with the pro-Iranian militia Kataib Hezbollah, one of Iraq's most powerful paramilitary factions. However, the kidnappers apparently succeeded in...
The scene unfolded in broad daylight on Tuesday, March 31, on a busy avenue in downtown Baghdad. Surveillance images shared on social networks show two men forcing a woman, later identified as U.S. journalist Shelly Kittleson, into the back of a car.Alerted by witnesses, Iraqi authorities responded quickly and indicated that following a chase, a vehicle "belonging to the kidnappers, which overturned as they tried to flee," was intercepted, allowing security forces to "arrest one of the suspects and seize one of the vehicles used in the crime."Four men in civilian clothing, traveling in two cars, are believed to be involved. The arrested man was reportedly affiliated with the pro-Iranian militia Kataib Hezbollah, one of Iraq's most powerful paramilitary factions. However, the kidnappers apparently succeeded in...
