The US State Department has confirmed it issued warnings to American journalist Shelly Kittleson regarding threats she faced before her abduction in Baghdad, Iraq, on Tuesday afternoon.

Abduction and Iraqi Response

Shelly Kittleson, who reports on Iraqi politics, was kidnapped earlier this week. The Iraqi government has confirmed the abduction and stated its security forces have arrested a suspect and detained a vehicle in connection with the case.

Suspect Linked to Kataib Hizballah

In a statement released on Thursday, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller revealed that the suspect detained by Iraqi authorities has “ties to the Iranian-aligned militia group Kataib Hizballah.” Miller stated, “The State Department previously fulfilled our duty to warn this individual of threats against them, and we will continue to coordinate with the FBI to ensure their release as quickly as possible.”

Travel Advisory for Iraq

The State Department maintains a Level 4 Travel Advisory for Iraq, its highest level, advising US citizens not to travel to the country under any circumstances. The department also strongly urges all Americans currently in Iraq, including members of the press, to depart immediately and adhere to all travel advisories.

“Iraq remains at a Level 4 Travel Advisory and Americans are advised not to travel to Iraq for any reason and to leave Iraq now,” Miller emphasized. The State Department is actively working with the FBI to secure Kittleson’s swift release.