U.S. Journalist Shelly Kittlson Believed to Be Alive and Held by Iraqi Militia
Officials say Kittleson likely held in Jurf al-Sakhar.
U.S. and Iraqi officials said kidnapped American journalist Shelly Kittleson is believed to be alive and held by Kataib Hezbollah in Jurf al-Sakhar, south of Baghdad.
She was abducted on March 31 and has not been seen since.
Authorities suspect the militia may be holding her to deter U.S. airstrikes in the area, which have reportedly stopped since her disappearance.
Kataib Hezbollah has not claimed responsibility or issued demands. Iraqi security forces launched an operation after the kidnapping, arresting one suspect and seizing a vehicle.
The FBI and U.S. State Department are coordinating efforts to secure her release, while Iraqi officials and regional political figures are engaged in ongoing efforts to resolve the situation.