Correction and update on the kidnapping of American journalist Shelly Kittleson in Baghdad
By Bernie,
Correction and update on the kidnapping of American journalist Shelly Kittleson in Baghdad:
Kittleson remains in captivity. Earlier reports, including from BNN, that she had been rescued and hospitalized were incorrect. Al-Monitor, her employer, confirmed that while Iraqi security forces intercepted a vehicle believed to belong to the kidnappers, Kittleson was not inside it. Her whereabouts are unknown.
The U.S. State Department confirmed the arrested suspect has ties to the Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah. Assistant Secretary of State Dylan Johnson said the State Department had previously warned Kittleson of specific threats against her and is now coordinating with the FBI to secure her release. CBS News reports that Kittleson had been told her name was on a Kataib Hezbollah list targeting female journalists for kidnapping or killing. U.S. officials contacted her as recently as Monday night warning against travel, but she proceeded to Baghdad anyway.
Topics: Iran, Lebanon & Hezbollah
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