April 7, 2026, 7:35 p.mApril 7, 2026, 7:35 p.m
An Iran-aligned militia in Iraq has announced the release of kidnapped US journalist Shelly Kittleson. The group Kataib Hezbollah said Kittleson would be released on the condition that she leave the country immediately afterwards.
Shelly Kittleson was kidnapped.Image: keystone
Further details about the circumstances of the arrest or the time of release were not initially given. The statement continued: “We are in a state of war.” And in such a state, “many considerations” were eliminated.
The journalist was kidnapped at the end of March. The pro-Iranian Kataib Hezbollah had not previously claimed responsibility for the kidnapping. However, authorities have linked the group to it. Kataib Hezbollah is one of the strongest and most influential militias in Iraq. She has kidnapped foreigners and Iraqis several times in the past. (hkl/sda/dpa)