American Journalist Kidnapped in Iraq by Iran-backed Group.

The article reports on the kidnapping of an American freelance journalist, identified as Shelly Kittleson, in Baghdad, likely by an Iran-backed militia group called Kataib Hezbollah. Iraqi authorities pursued one of the vehicles involved in the abduction, arresting one suspect while continuing efforts to locate the remaining perpetrators and secure the journalist's release. The US State Department confirmed awareness of the incident and noted the militia's ties to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, highlighting its history of attacks on American interests and previous kidnappings in the region. Various organizations, including Al-Monitor and the International Women's Media Foundation, have called for Kittleson's safe and immediate release. [Extracted from the article]