An American freelance journalist was kidnapped in central Baghdad on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, according to Iraqi officials and media reports. The journalist has been identified as Shelly Kittleson, who has reported from conflict zones for publications including Politico and Al-Monitor.
The kidnapping occurred on Saadoun Street in Baghdad, with two vehicles reportedly involved in the operation. Iraqi security forces launched a pursuit of the kidnappers as they headed southwest toward Babil province. During the chase, one of the vehicles crashed near the town of Al-Haswa, leading to the arrest of one suspect. The journalist was reportedly transferred to a second vehicle that fled the scene.
a foreign journalist had been kidnapped
The Iraqi interior ministry confirmed that a foreign journalist had been kidnapped and stated that security forces had launched an operation to track down the kidnappers based on "precise intelligence and through intensive field operations."
Security expert Alex Plitsas, who identified himself as Kittleson's U.S. contact, confirmed the kidnapping on social media, stating she "may be held captive in Baghdad by Kataib Hizbollah," an Iran-backed militia group. The U.S. State Department said it was "closely tracking these reports" but declined further comment due to privacy considerations. A spokesperson for the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad also declined to comment.
security forces launched an operation to track down the kidnappers based on precise intelligence
Al-Monitor, one of the publications Kittleson has worked for, issued a statement expressing deep concern and demanding her immediate and safe release. The kidnapping comes amid ongoing security concerns in Iraq, where Iran-backed militias have launched regular attacks on U.S. facilities since hostilities began in late February 2026.