March 31 (UPI) — Unknown assailants abducted a foreign journalist, reportedly an American, Tuesday night in Iraq, according to Baghdad officials, who said security forces are working to secure her release.
The journalist was identified as American Shelly Kittleson by Al-Monitor, a Washington-based online news organization covering the Middle East where she is a contributor.
Iraqi specialized security forces were immediately deployed following the kidnapping and tracked down one of the assailants’ vehicles attempting to flee, causing it to overturn, Iraq’s Ministry of Interior said in a statement.
One suspect was arrested, according to the ministry, which said efforts continue to track down the remaining suspects and secure the journalist’s release.
The U.S. State Department, which said it was aware of the kidnapping of an American journalist, described the detained suspect as having ties to Kata’ib Hezbollah, a pro-Iran militia designated by the United States as a terrorist organization.
Dylan Johnson, the State Department’s assistant secretary for global public affairs, said in a statement, without naming Kittleson, that the department had “previously fulfilled our duty” by warning that there were threats against her.
“We will continue to coordinate with the FBI to ensure their release as quickly as possible,” Johnson said in a statement, adding that Iraq is under a Level 4 Travel Advisory.
“Americans are advised not to travel to Iraq for any reason and to leave Iraq now,” he said.
“The State Department strongly advise all Americans, including members of the press, to adhere to all travel advisories.”
Al-Monitor said it is calling for Kittleson’s “safe and immediate release.”
“We stand by her vital reporting from the region and call for her swift return to continue her important work,” it said.
President Mark Schoeff of the Washington-based National Press Club called Kittleson’s kidnapping “alarming and unacceptable.”
“Journalists are not targets and treating them as such is an assault on press freedom everywhere,” he said in a statement.
“We call for her immediate and safe release and urge those responsible to ensure her well-being.”
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