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US journalist Shelly Kittleson released by Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah in Iraq
The release follows negotiations that may exchange several detained militia members, and U.S. officials had warned her about threats before the abduction.
- On Tuesday, April 7, 2026, the Iran-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah released American journalist Shelly Kittleson in Baghdad, conditioning her freedom on her immediate departure from Iraq.
- Iraqi and U.S. officials reported the release followed a prisoner exchange, trading Kittleson for several Kataib Hezbollah members previously detained by authorities for attacks on U.S. interests.
- Surveillance footage captured the March 31 abduction, and the militia officially acknowledged responsibility for the first time, citing "in appreciation of the patriotic stances of the outgoing prime minister," Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed her release early Wednesday, stating the U.S. is "relieved" and working to support her safe departure from the country.
- The Committee to Protect Journalists called the abduction an "alarming breach of journalists' safety," noting how Iran-aligned groups use kidnappings as leverage amid regional tensions.
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Shelly Kittleson is a journalist in Iraq when she is abducted by a paramilitary group at the end of March. Now the militia is releasing the US citizen - together with a demand.
According to two Iraqi officials, the journalist was released in exchange for several jailed Qataib Hezbollah militants.
American journalist Shelly Kittleson, who was kidnapped in Baghdad by members of the pro-Iranian militia Kataib Hezbollah, has been released, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on social media.
Coverage Details
Total News Sources222
Leaning Left56Leaning Right39Center73Last UpdatedBias Distribution44% Center
Bias Distribution
- 44% of the sources are Center
44% Center
L 33%
C 44%
R 23%
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