Shelly Kittleson was reportedly kidnapped in Baghdad on Tuesday, with Iraqi police and other agencies launching a large-scale search operation across the city.
The Iraqi Interior Ministry confirmed the abduction of a female journalist without initially revealing her identity. Later, police officials identified the victim as Kittleson, a US-based freelance journalist known for covering conflicts in the Middle East.
Security forces have since intensified efforts to locate her, using intelligence-based operations to track down those responsible. The officials confirmed that at least one suspect has been arrested and is currently under investigation.
During the search, a vehicle believed to have been used in the kidnapping was discovered overturned in a Baghdad neighbourhood, suggesting the suspects attempted to flee. One individual was apprehended at the scene and is being questioned over possible links to the crime.
According to reports, Kittleson, who has contributed to Al-Monitor, is based in Rome and has extensively covered wars in the region.
The US State Department acknowledged the incident, stating it was aware of the reported kidnapping. Dylan Johnson said authorities are coordinating with the FBI to secure her release, while also reiterating travel warnings advising Americans against visiting Iraq.
Police sources said the journalist was abducted by four men in civilian clothing and taken away in a vehicle. The search operation is currently focused on eastern Baghdad, where the suspects were believed to have headed.
The incident comes amid rising tensions in the region, as ongoing conflict linked to the Iran-Israel situation continues to impact Iraq.
In a separate development earlier this month, the US military confirmed that one of its KC-135 refuelling aircraft had crashed in western Iraq during an ongoing operation in the region.
In a post on X, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the aircraft went down while taking part in Operation Epic Fury, a campaign linked to the current military tensions involving Iran.
CENTCOM said two aircraft were involved in the incident. One of them crashed in western Iraq, while the second aircraft landed safely.
