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American Freelance Journalist Shelly Kittleson Released by Iran-Backed Iraqi Militia

HeadlineApr 08, 2026

American freelance journalist Shelly Kittleson has been released after being held for one week by the Iran-backed Iraqi militia Kataib Hezbollah. Forty-nine-year-old Kittleson was abducted from a Baghdad street corner on March 31. The militia freed her in a prisoner swap after Iraqi authorities agreed to release several members of the militia who had previously been detained. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed her release, saying the U.S. is working to support her return from Iraq.

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