American Journalist Shelly Kittleson Abducted in Iraq

Iraq’s Interior Ministry said a freelance American reporter was seized in Baghdad on Tuesday. Authorities launched an immediate operation to find the abductors.

Reports described the event as American Journalist Shelly Kittleson Abducted in Iraq. The ministry said its response relied on “precise intelligence.”

Location and initial events

Local accounts place the abduction near the Baghdad Hotel on Saadoun Street. Witnesses reported the journalist was taken by unidentified individuals.

Security forces intercepted a vehicle thought to belong to the kidnappers. That vehicle flipped while suspects tried to flee.

Search and investigation

Officials said the kidnapped journalist was not in the overturned vehicle. Forces continue to track the perpetrators across Baghdad.

The Interior Ministry said the operation began immediately after the intelligence tip. Authorities gave few further details on suspects or motive.

About the journalist

The reporter is an American citizen who has lived in Italy for several years. She is currently based in Rome and reports from conflict zones.

Her reporting has covered Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria. She has contributed to multiple outlets, including Filmogaz.com.

Previous similar case

The abduction echoes the March 2023 kidnapping of researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov in Baghdad. Tsurkov was seized at a café and held for 903 days.

She was reportedly held by the pro-Iranian militia Kataib Hezbollah. Her release followed a deal brokered by the United States.

Warnings and prior alerts

Sources from the previous U.S. administration told Filmogaz.com they had been aware of threats against the journalist. They said they advised against travel to Iraq.

The case remains under active investigation. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.