Rubio says US journalist Shelly Kittleson is free, working on safe departure from Iraq

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced late Tuesday that American journalist Shelly Kittleson has been freed after being held hostage for a little over a week by an Iran-backed militia in Iraq. The journalist was reportedly kidnapped by members of Kata’ib Hezbollah, a group designated as a foreign terrorist organization, which had been holding her in captivity. Rubio’s statement confirmed that immediate efforts are now focused on facilitating her secure departure from the country to ensure she returns safely to the United States. The Secretary of State expressed relief regarding the resolution of the situation, highlighting the dangers faced by American personnel and journalists operating in the volatile Middle East. Kata’ib Hezbollah is known for its alignment with Iranian interests and its history of hostility toward U.S. forces and citizens in the region. The circumstances surrounding her initial capture remain a focal point for security officials, who are likely to review the incident to better protect press freedom and safety in conflict zones. Following her release, U.S. government agencies are coordinating the logistics of Kittleson’s extraction from Iraq. While the specific details of the negotiations leading to her freedom have not been fully disclosed, the successful outcome represents a significant win for the State Department’s hostage recovery efforts. The administration continues to emphasize its commitment to securing the safety of Americans abroad against the threats posed by foreign terrorist organizations.