Freelance journalist Shelly Kittleson, kidnapped in Baghdad, Iraq, will be released by the group holding her, according to an Iran-backed organization.

Journalist's Impending Release

Shelly Kittleson, 49, was abducted on April 2nd in Baghdad. Abu Mujahid al-Assaf, a security official with Kataib Hezbollah (also known as Hezbollah Brigades), announced her impending release via social media.

Al-Assaf stated the release is conditional on Kittleson’s immediate departure from Iraq. He added that such leniency would not be repeated due to the ongoing conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran.

Details of the Abduction

Video footage, verified by ABC News and the Iraqi Ministry of Interior, shows Kittleson being forcibly taken by several individuals from a Baghdad street and placed into a silver car. The abduction occurred in broad daylight.

US Warnings and Investigation

Following the kidnapping, U.S. officials warned American citizens in Iraq to leave immediately, citing potential attacks by Iranian-aligned Iraqi militia groups. The State Department had previously warned Kittleson about threats to her safety and collaborated with the FBI to secure her release, according to U.S. assistant secretary of state Dylan Johnson.

Iraqi security forces arrested one individual connected to Kataib Hezbollah after a car allegedly involved in the abduction crashed during an escape attempt.

Concerns for Journalist Safety

Kiran Nazish, director of the Coalition for Women in Journalism, emphasized the frequent threats faced by journalists in Iraq and the Middle East. She noted that Kittleson had previously experienced threats and possessed a strong network of trusted contacts.

The incident highlights the dangers journalists face while reporting from conflict zones and the challenges of ensuring their safety. The evolving regional tensions continue to contribute to the risks.