Iraqi militia announces the release of U.S. journalist Shelly Kittleson after abduction

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Iraqi militia announces the release of U.S. journalist Shelly Kittleson after abduction

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LATIMES

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Iraqi militia announces the release of U.S. journalist Shelly Kittleson after abduction

Credited from: LATIMES

Shelly Kittleson is announced to be released by Kataib Hezbollah after her abduction on March 31.
The militia stipulates that Kittleson must leave Iraq immediately upon her release.
U.S. government officials had warned Kittleson of threats to her safety prior to her kidnapping.
Efforts by Iraqi officials and Shiite leaders contributed to securing her release.
Calls for Kittleson's safe return came from various journalist advocacy groups during her captivity.

Kataib Hezbollah, an Iranian-aligned militia, announced on Tuesday the impending release of U.S. journalist Shelly Kittleson, who was kidnapped in Baghdad on March 31. The group stated that Kittleson would be freed on the condition that she "leave Iraq immediately," as indicated in their communications, including messages shared on the militia's channels and backed by a security official within the group, Abu Mujahid al-Assaf, according to CBS News and Al Jazeera.

Kittleson had been warned multiple times by U.S. officials regarding specific threats to her safety, particularly from Kataib Hezbollah, which was reportedly plotting against journalists, particularly female ones. Despite these warnings, Kittleson chose to proceed with her travels and her subsequent assignment in Iraq, as detailed by Los Angeles Times and BBC.

Reuters and South China Morning Post.

The militia had also indicated it would release a video purporting to show Kittleson during her detention, although media sources have yet to verify the video's authenticity, as it was circulated via social media channels associated with the militia, as reported by CBS News and Reuters. The situation remains fluid, and the journalist's current whereabouts following the announcement of her release have not been disclosed.