American journalist Shelly Kittleson freed in Iraq after week in captivity

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the release of Kittleson in a social media post

by e4m Staff
Published: Apr 8, 2026 8:34 AM | 2 min read

Shelly Kittleson, the American journalist who was abducted in Baghdad by an Iraqi militia allied with Iran, has been released after a week in captivity, according to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the militia, and Iraqi security officials.

Rubio confirmed the release of Kittleson in a social media post, stating, “I am pleased to announce the release of American journalist Shelly Kittleson, who was recently kidnapped by members of the foreign terrorist organization Kata’ib Hizballah near Baghdad, Iraq.”

He also added, “Under President Trump, the wrongful detention or kidnapping of U.S. nationals will not be tolerated. We will continue to use every tool to bring Americans home and to hold accountable those responsible. We are relieved that this American is now free and are working to support her safe departure from Iraq.”

I am pleased to announce the release of American journalist Shelly Kittleson, who was recently kidnapped by members of the foreign terrorist organization Kata’ib Hizballah near Baghdad, Iraq.

The U.S. Department of State extends its appreciation to the Federal Bureau of…
— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) April 8, 2026

The abduction of Kittleson marks the militia’s second kidnapping of a foreigner in Iraq. In 2023, the group abducted Elizabeth Tsurkov, an Israeli-Russian doctoral student, and held her hostage for over two years, during which she was reportedly tortured.

According to reports, Kittleson was released in exchange for several imprisoned Kataib Hezbollah members.