{"id":2588139,"date":"2026-04-07T16:07:01","date_gmt":"2026-04-07T20:07:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/us-journalist-shelly-kittleson-to-be-freed-from-captivity-in-iraq\/"},"modified":"2026-04-07T16:09:29","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T20:09:29","slug":"us-journalist-shelly-kittleson-to-be-freed-from-captivity-in-iraq","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/us-journalist-shelly-kittleson-to-be-freed-from-captivity-in-iraq\/","title":{"rendered":"US journalist Shelly Kittleson to be freed from captivity in Iraq"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">22<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fus-journalist-shelly-kittleson-to-be-freed-from-captivity-in-iraq%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2588139&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>U.S. journalist Shelly Kittleson, who writes for Al-Monitor, was kidnapped in Baghdad on March 31 by Kataib Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed Iraqi <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/gov-whitmer-media-caught-in-another-lie-anarchist-arrested-for-plot-to-kidnap-and-kill-whitmer-hates-president-trump-trump-is-a-tyrant-video\/\" title=\"Gov. Whitmer, Media Caught in Another Lie - Anarchist Arrested For Plot to Kidnap and Kill Whitmer Hates President Trump, &#039;Trump is a Tyrant&#039; (VIDEO)\">militia<\/a>. The group says she is expected to be released on Tuesday after about a week in captivity, in exchange for the release of several detained Kataib Hezbollah members and her immediate departure from Iraq. Kataib hezbollah framed the move as a gesture of appreciation for Iraq\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/uk-govt-lockdown-to-last-12-months-expect-repeated-vaccinations\/\" title=\"UK Govt: Lockdown to Last 12+ Months, Expect Repeated Vaccinations\">prime minister<\/a> and said the initiative would not be repeated, citing the broader conflict with what it calls the Zionist-American enemy. U.S. officials say they are awaiting Kittleson\u2019s transfer to American custody,and the State Department has issued a security alert urging Americans in Iraq to leave amid ongoing threats. The development occurs within the context of attacks by Iran-backed militias on U.S. forces during Operation Epic Fury; U.S. CENTCOM says the militias have not caused notable injuries and that Washington will protect its personnel. The report also notes that other <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/black-lives-matter-directs-allies-to-l-a-mayor-garcettis-home-after-chauvin-guilty-verdict\/\" title=\"Black Lives Matter Directs Allies To L.A. Mayor Garcetti\u2019s Home After Chauvin Guilty Verdict\">allied groups<\/a>, such as Hezbollah and Yemen\u2019s Houthis, have focused their attacks primarily on Israel rather than the U.S. in the region.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><\/p>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-header-search-button-mob dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search\" aria-labelledby=\"td-header-search-button\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search-inner\">\n<form method=\"get\" class=\"tdb-search-form\" action=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\"><\/form>\n<div class=\"tdb-aj-search\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Search\" class=\"tdb-head-search-btn dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<h1 class=\"tdb-title-text\">Captured US journalist Shelly Kittleson freed after deal with Iranian-backed Iraqi militia<\/h1>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-title-line\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div id=\"Brid_2554047\" class=\"tpd-featured-video bridtv\"><\/div>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/united-states\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"671\">American<\/a> journalist <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/world\/4511003\/us-journalist-shelly-kittleson-kidnapped-baghdad-iraq\/\">Shelly Kittleson<\/a> is expected to be released on Tuesday after a week in captivity following her kidnapping in Baghdad, according to statements from the militia that held her.<\/p>\n<p>Kittleson, an <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\" >award-winning journalist<\/a> with <em>Al-Monitor<\/em>, was reporting on regional developments in the <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/iraq\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"101\">Iraqi<\/a> capital on March 31 when she was abducted by Kataib Hezbollah, an <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/iran\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"100\">Iranian<\/a>-backed Iraqi militia group distinct from the <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/lebanon\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"1192\">Lebanese<\/a> organization <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/hezbollah\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"814\">Hezbollah<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>In a statement, Kataib Hezbollah said it would release Kittleson &ldquo;in appreciation of the patriotic positions&rdquo; of Iraq&rsquo;s prime minister, who had been involved in negotiations for her <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/calif-da-blasts-gov-newsom-for-not-stopping-release-of-convicted-killer\/\" title=\"Calif. DA blasts Gov. Newsom for not stopping ... of convicted killer\">pending release<\/a>, and ordered her to leave the country immediately.<\/p>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p>&ldquo;This initiative will not be repeated in the future,&rdquo; a group security commander known as Abu Mujahid Al-Asaf said in the statement. &ldquo;We are in a state of war waged by the Zionist-American enemy against Islam, and in such situations many considerations are disregarded.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>U.S. officials are <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/alexplitsas\/status\/2041582826114478395?s=20\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/x.com\/alexplitsas\/status\/2041582826114478395?s=20\">reportedly<\/a> waiting for Kittleson to be transferred to American custody.<\/p>\n<p>Two Iraqi security officials said Kittleson&rsquo;s release was secured in exchange for the freeing of several detained Kataib Hezbollah members. <\/p>\n<p>Kataib Hezbollah is part of Iran&rsquo;s <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/policy\/defense\/4498796\/us-troops-fighting-iran-backed-militias-iraq\/\" type=\"link\" id=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/policy\/defense\/4498796\/us-troops-fighting-iran-backed-militias-iraq\/\">&ldquo;Axis of Resistance&rdquo;<\/a> to attack U.S. troops during the ongoing Iran war.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Since the start of Operation Epic Fury, Kataib Hezbollah and other Iran-backed militias have launched attacks on U.S. forces, <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/u-s-central-command\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"4470\">U.S. Central Command<\/a> spokesman Tim Hawkins said in a March <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/policy\/defense\/4513587\/us-warns-iranian-backed-militias-target-americans-iraq\/\">statement<\/a> to the <em>Washington Examiner<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;<a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/military\">U.S. forces<\/a> have taken action in response to attacks from Iran-backed Iraqi militia groups against American forces and personnel since the start of Operation Epic Fury,&rdquo; Hawkins said. &ldquo;We will not hesitate to protect our people.&rdquo; <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p>On Thursday, the <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/state-department\/\" type=\"post_tag\" id=\"107\">State Department<\/a> issued a <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/iq.usembassy.gov\/security-alert-u-s-embassy-baghdad-iraq-april-2-2026\/\">security alert<\/a> urging Americans in Iraq to leave the country, warning that militant groups had targeted U.S. citizens for kidnapping, likely referencing Kittleson&rsquo;s abduction.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-wp-embed is-provider-flourish wp-block-embed-flourish\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\"> <iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"wp-embedded-content\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts\" security=\"restricted\" title=\"Interactive or visual content\" src=\"https:\/\/flo.uri.sh\/visualisation\/27896451\/embed#?secret=JB3LFvh5Do\" data-secret=\"JB3LFvh5Do\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" height=\"575\" width=\"696\"><\/iframe> <\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/white-house\/4516260\/trump-iran-48-hours-hormuz-blockade\/\"><strong>TRUMP SAYS IRAN HAS &rsquo;48 HOURS BEFORE ALL HELL WILL REIGN DOWN ON THEM&rsquo; OVER HORMUZ BLOCKADE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The militant groups have not caused any &ldquo;significant injuries&rdquo; to American forces in or near Iraq, according to a CENTCOM official&rsquo;s statement to the <em>Washington Examiner<\/em> last month. The official added that the threat posed by the militias has had &ldquo;no impact&rdquo; on the U.S. goals in Iran.<\/p>\n<p>While it has engaged U.S. forces in Iraq, other allied groups, including Lebanese Hezbollah and Yemen&rsquo;s Houthis, have focused their attacks primarily on Israel during the war.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&#8211; 55-char paraphrase: US journalist Shelly Kittleson freed after militia deal<\/p>\n<p>&#8211; Longer paraphrase: US journalist Shelly Kittleson, who was reporting in Baghdad, was abducted on March 31 by Kataib Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Iraqi militia. She was released after a deal that included freeing several detained militia members, with negotiations led by Iraq\u2019s prime minister; U.S. officials expect to receive her in American custody. The State Department has warned Americans in Iraq to leave, and the militia group remains part of Iran\u2019s broader Axis of Resistance, which has attacked U.S. forces since Operation Epic Fury<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4195,"featured_media":2588140,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Iraqi-militia.webp?w=696","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[33651,538],"tags":[22243,17259,76898,77345],"class_list":["post-2588139","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-western-journal","category-washington-examiner","tag-captivity","tag-iraq","tag-shelly-kittleson","tag-us-journalist"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Iraqi-militia.webp?w=696","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2588139","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4195"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2588139"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2588139\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2588143,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2588139\/revisions\/2588143"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2588140"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2588139"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2588139"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2588139"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}