Shelly Kittleson
An editor has nominated this article for deletion. You are welcome to participate in the deletion discussion, which will decide whether to keep it. |
Shelly Kittleson (born 1976/77)[a] is a freelance American journalist, primarily reporting on conflict, security, and humanitarian concerns in the Middle East and Afghanistan. On March 31, 2026, Kittleson was kidnapped in Baghdad, Iraq. She was reportedly kidnapped by an Iranian-backed militia group, Kata'ib Hezbollah.[2] One suspect was arrested.[3]
Career
[edit]Kittleson began working as a freelance journalist around 2010, covering major geopolitical events and conflicts in the Middle East and Central Asia.[4] Her reporting has focused on Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan, where she has spent extended periods reporting from the ground. She has contributed to numerous international publications, including outlets such as Al-Monitor, BBC, Politico, and Foreign Policy.[5][6]
Personal life
[edit]Kittleson is originally from Monticello, Wisconsin.[1] She is based in Rome, Italy.[7]
Kidnapping in Iraq
[edit]On March 31, 2026, Kittleson was reportedly kidnapped in Baghdad, Iraq, near the Baghdad Hotel, while on assignment. She was reportedly kidnapped by an Iranian-backed militia group, Kata'ib Hezbollah. Iraqi authorities reported that she was abducted by unidentified individuals, and a security operation was launched to locate her. A vehicle involved in the kidnapping was located by authorities. One suspect was arrested.[2]
See also
[edit]Notes
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b Blair, Anthony (April 1, 2026). "American journalist Shelly Kittleson kidnapped by armed men in Baghdad, terrifying footage shows". news.com.au.
- ^ a b "American journalist Shelly Kittleson kidnapped in Baghdad". ABC News. March 31, 2026. Retrieved April 1, 2026.
- ^ "American journalist Shelly Kittleson kidnapped in Baghdad". The Washington Post. March 31, 2026. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved April 1, 2026.
- ^ Perez, Kate. "An award-winning US journalist was kidnapped in Iraq. Here's what to know". USA TODAY. Retrieved April 1, 2026.
- ^ Kumar, Sumit (April 1, 2026). "Shelly Kittleson Kidnapped: Who is Shelly Kittleson? US War Reporter Taken in Baghdad Known for Iraq, Syria & Afghanistan Coverage — Is Iran Behind Kidnapping?". The Sunday Guardian. Retrieved April 1, 2026.
- ^ "AL-MONITOR calls for release of contributor Shelly Kittleson - AL-Monitor: The Middle Eastʼs leading independent since 2012". www.al-monitor.com. Retrieved April 1, 2026.
- ^ Matza, Max (April 1, 2026). "US journalist Shelly Kittleson kidnapped in Baghdad". BBC News. Retrieved April 1, 2026.