State Secretary Marco Rubio confirmed the release of American freelance journalist Shelly Kittleson.
Kittleson, who, according to The Associated Press (AP), is known for “pursuing gutsy, low-budget assignments,” was abducted from a street corner in Baghdad, Iraq, on Mar. 31, 2026.
“I am pleased to announce the release of American journalist Shelly Kittleson, who was recently kidnapped by members of the foreign terrorist organization Kata’ib Hizballah near Baghdad, Iraq,” Secretary Rubio wrote.
In his statement, Secretary Rubio thanked the State Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Defense Department, the Iraqi Supreme Judicial Council, several U.S. personnel, and U.S.-Iraqi partners for their assistance in Kittleson’s release.
He praised the resolution, citing it as exemplary of the “Trump Administration’s steadfast commitment to the safety and security of American citizens” regardless of “where they are in the world.” “Under President Trump, the wrongful detention or kidnapping of U.S. nationals will not be tolerated. We will continue to use every tool to bring Americans home and to hold accountable those responsible,” he added.
“We are relieved that this American is now free and are working to support her safe departure from Iraq.”
According to the AP, “Kittleson, 49, has lived abroad for years, using Rome as her base for a time and building a respected journalism career across the Middle East.”
Originally from Wisconsin, Kittleson left in 1995 at the age of 19 to study in Italy, and, according to her mother, Barb Kittleson, she also found a job as a nanny upon arrival.
Hours before her capture, U.S. officials reportedly warned Kittleson that Iranian-backed militias in Iraq were intending to target her. The AP reports that “she did not believe the threat was credible.”
Kittles affirmed to a friend in Baghdad’s Karrada neighborhood that “they will not hurt me,” citing her previous instances in which she was stopped by security forces and militias at checkpoints and managed to secure her release.
