American journalist Shelly Renee Kittleson was kidnapped from a street in Baghdad, Iraq, on Tuesday and remains missing. Both US and Iraqi officials have confirmed that Kittleson had been warned of threats against her in the days leading up to her abduction.

Prior Attempts to Enter Iraq

According to Hussein Alawi, an advisor to Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, Kittleson first attempted to enter Iraq from Syria via the al-Qaim crossing on March 9th. She was initially denied entry due to lacking a press work permit and security concerns related to escalating regional conflict and aerial projectiles.

Entry on a Transit Visa

Kittleson later entered Iraq on a 60-day single-entry visa intended for foreign citizens transiting through the country to return home. She arrived in Baghdad a few days before her kidnapping and was staying at a hotel.

Investigation and Arrest

Iraqi security and intelligence agencies are closely monitoring the situation under the supervision of al-Sudani. Alawi stated that one suspect believed to be involved in the kidnapping has been arrested and is currently being interrogated.

Following the abduction, Iraqi security forces pursued the kidnappers, resulting in the arrest of one individual after a car crash. However, other kidnappers escaped with Kittleson in a second vehicle. An anonymous Iraqi intelligence official confirmed authorities believe she is still being held in Baghdad and are working to locate her.

Allegations and Warnings

US officials have indicated that Kataib Hezbollah, an Iran-linked Iraqi militia with a history of foreign kidnappings, is suspected of carrying out the abduction. While the group has not claimed responsibility, and the Iraqi government has not publicly commented on affiliations, US officials say they warned Kittleson of the threats.

Dylan Johnson, US assistant secretary of state for public affairs, stated on X (formerly Twitter) that the State Department had fulfilled its duty to warn Kittleson. Another US official, speaking anonymously, confirmed she was contacted multiple times with warnings, including the night before the kidnapping.

Family Reaction

Shelly Kittleson’s mother, Barb Kittleson, expressed her distress after learning of the kidnapping through a news report. She received a visit from the FBI on Tuesday evening. “Terrible. Scared. I’ll pray for her,” she told the Associated Press. She last communicated with her daughter via email on Monday, receiving photos from Iraq. Barb Kittleson stated her daughter was passionate about journalism, saying, “Journalism is what she wanted to do so bad…I wanted her to come home and not do it, but she said, ‘I’m helping people.’”

Surveillance Footage

Surveillance footage obtained by the Associated Press appears to show the moment of the kidnapping. The footage depicts two men approaching an individual on a street corner and forcing them into a car, with a brief struggle visible before the vehicle drives away.