US Journalist Shelly Kittleson Kidnapped in Baghdad

American freelance journalist Kidnapping of Shelly Kittleson was kidnapped in Baghdad, Iraq, on March 31, 2026. She was reportedly taken by armed men near the Baghdad Hotel on Al Saadoun Street while reporting on the ongoing war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. Iraqi security forces immediately launched a pursuit, intercepting one vehicle and arresting a suspect, but Kidnapping of Shelly Kittleson was transferred to a second car that fled. Alex Plitsas, Kidnapping of Shelly Kittleson's US point of contact, identified Kata ib Hezbollah, an Iran-allied Iraqi terror group, as the likely captors. The United States — United States Department of State had previously warned Kidnapping of Shelly Kittleson of threats in Iraq and is now coordinating with Iraqi authorities and the United States — Federal Bureau of Investigation to secure her release. This incident highlights the severe security risks for foreign nationals and journalists in Iraq, especially amid regional tensions.