American Journalist Shelly Kittleson Kidnapped in Baghdad by Militia Group
American journalist Shelly Kittleson was kidnapped on March 31 in central Baghdad, Iraq. The Iranian-aligned militia group Kataib Hizballah is reportedly responsible for the abduction. The group has offered to negotiate with the Iraqi government for Kittleson's release in exchange for several militia members currently held by authorities. The kidnapping occurred on a busy street, and Iraqi authorities are actively searching for Kittleson and pursuing the suspects involved. The U.S. State Department, in coordination with the FBI, is working to secure her release. Kittleson, an independent journalist, has contributed to various publications, including Al-Monitor and Al Majalla. Originally from Mount Horeb, Wisconsin, her family and colleagues are calling for her safe and immediate release. 
