The United States Secretary of States, Marco Rubio, announced on Tuesday that kidnapped American journalist Shelly Kittleson has been freed after being held by a pro-Iran militia in Iraq.
A senior Iraqi government official told CNN that Kittleson had been handed over to Iraqi authorities, who are now arranging her travel out of the country.
The official added that the Iraqi government had made extensive efforts to protect her and secure her release.
Kittleson, known for her reporting on the Middle East, was abducted last month by Kataib Hezbollah.
“The U.S. Department of State extends its appreciation to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of War, U.S. personnel across multiple agencies, and the Iraqi Supreme Judicial Council and our Iraqi partners, for their assistance in securing her release,” Rubio said in a statement on X.
“We are relieved that this American is now free and are working to support her safe departure from Iraq,” Rubio wrote.
On Tuesday, Kataib Hezbollah security chief Abu Mujahid al-Assaf said in a Telegram post that the militia had agreed to free Kittleson “on the condition that she leave the country immediately.”
According to a source familiar with the matter, US officials had warned Kittleson before she vanished that Kataib Hezbollah was plotting to kidnap or kill her.
The warning was reportedly issued while she was already in Iraq carrying out reporting assignments.
Her disappearance triggered a security operation by Iraqi forces aimed at identifying those behind the abduction and ensuring her release.
A US official said Washington closely monitored the case and coordinated with Iraqi authorities throughout efforts to bring her home safely.
The United States Embassy in Iraq has repeatedly advised American citizens to leave Iraq since the conflict with Iran escalated in late February, warning that Iranian-backed militias could target Americans for abduction.
“Do not travel to Iraq for any reason. Depart immediately if you are there,” the embassy said in its latest statement over the weekend.
Following Kittleson’s abduction, Al-Monitor, where she contributes reports, appealed for her release.
“We stand by her vital reporting from the region and call for her safe and immediate release,” the statement added.
Reporters Without Borders, Committee to Protect Journalists and the Foley Foundation also jointly urged Rubio to help secure Kittleson’s freedom.
The CPJ had earlier called on Iraqi authorities to take “all necessary measures” to free her.
“The abduction of Shelly Kittleson in broad daylight reflects an alarming breach of journalists’ safety in Iraq that highlights the increased risk of reporting from the Middle East,” said CPJ Regional Director Sara Qudah.
