US freelance journalist Shelly Kittleson has been released a week after her abduction in central Baghdad, confirmed officials from both the US and Iraq.
Her release came after a public announcement by the Iran-aligned Iraqi militia, Kataib Hezbollah, which stated that she would be set free on the condition that she must "leave the country immediately" upon her release.
Kittleson was taken by the Kataib Hezbollah from a street corner in Baghdad on March 31.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement on X, "We are relieved that this American is now freed and are working to support her safe departure from Iraq."
He expressed his gratitude to the Iraqi authorities, along with the FBI, the U.S. Defense Department, and other American agencies for their efforts in facilitating Kittleson's release.
The Associated Press has reported that Kittleson was released in exchange for several members of Kataib Hezbollah who were imprisoned, citing anonymous sources within the militia.
