U.S. journalist Shelly Kittleson, kidnapped in Iraq, is freed in prisoner swap

""In appreciation of the national positions of the outgoing Prime Minister, we have decided to release the American detainee, Shelly Kittleson, on the condition that she leaves the country immediately," Abu Mujahid al-Assaf stated."

"Kataib Hezbollah, considered the most powerful militia in Iraq, had not publicly claimed responsibility for her kidnapping, offered proof she is alive or made demands in exchange for her release."

"An Iraqi security official said Iraq would release several members of Kataib Hezbollah accused of targeting U.S. interests in Iraq and the Persian Gulf region."

Shelly Kittleson, a U.S. journalist, was released by the Iran-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah in a prisoner swap with Iraq. The militia's security official stated the release was in appreciation of the outgoing Prime Minister's national positions, with the condition that Kittleson leave Iraq immediately. The FBI and State Department coordinated U.S. efforts for her release, but did not comment. Kittleson was kidnapped in Baghdad and held at a militia stronghold, with the U.S. government designating her a hostage.

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