Kidnapped American journalist Shelly Kittleson was warned of threats prior to the incident, both U.S. and Iraqi officials confirmed to the Associated Press.
Kittleson, who contributes to various publications, reportedly tried to cross from Syria into Iraq three weeks prior to being kidnapped in Baghdad, according to Hussein Alawi, an adviser to Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. The journalist reportedly didn’t have a press work permit and was initially turned back due to “the escalation of the war and aerial projectiles over Iraqi airspace as a result of the war on Iran.”
Kittleson later gained access after obtaining a single-entry visa valid to Iraq for 60 days designated for foreign citizens stranded in neighboring countries to “transit through Iraq to reach their home countries via available transport routes,” according to Alawi.
“The incident is being followed closely by Iraqi security and intelligence agencies under the supervision of” al-Sudani, Alawi said, noting that one suspect believed to be involved in the kidnapping plot had already been arrested and interrogated.
U.S. officials alleged that Kittleson was kidnapped by the Iranian-linked Iraqi militia Kataib Hezbolla, which had been responsible for previous kidnappings targeting foreigners, though the group has not claimed responsibility for the incident involving the American journalist nor has the Iraqi government confirmed its affiliation.
Iraq’s Interior Ministry confirmed that security forces pursued the kidnappers’ vehicle, which overturned as it fled the scene and surveillance video showed what appears to be the exact moment Kittleson is bundled into a vehicle.
“Security forces were able to arrest one of the suspects and seize one of the vehicles used in the crime,” the ministry said in a statement obtained by NBC News. “The Ministry affirms that efforts are ongoing to track down the remaining individuals involved, secure the release of the kidnapped journalist, and take all necessary legal measures against all those involved in this criminal act, in accordance with the law.”
Al-Monitor, one of the outlets Kittleson contributes to, called for her “safe and immediate release.”
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