American freelance journalist Shelly Kittleson, who reports primarily on Middle Eastern and Afghan affairs, was kidnapped in Baghdad earlier today. She has written for outlets including Al-Monitor, Foreign Policy, BBC News, Politico, and others.
Alex Plitsas, a CNN national security analyst and former senior Pentagon official under former President Barack Obama, confirmed on X that Kittleson was "abducted and may have been taken hostage in Baghdad by Kataib Hezbollah."
Middle East-based Al Sharqiya TV cited the Iraqi Interior Ministry, stating: "A vehicle belonging to the kidnappers of the American journalist overturned during a security pursuit, and one of them was apprehended."
Footage of the kidnapping has circulated on X.
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