The Shiite armed group Kataib Hezbollah has kidnapped CNN journalist Shelley Kittelson in Baghdad, her colleague Alex Pletsas reported on social media X on March 31. Kittleson’s whereabouts are unknown and her condition is unclear, he said.
Iraqi Ministry of Interior I mentioned Earlier on March 31, it was announced that criminals had kidnapped a foreign journalist. Emirati edition Nationalism Other media said it was about Kittleson. One suspect has reportedly been arrested. They are looking for other kidnappers.
A video clip appeared on the Internet showing the moment of the kidnapping. The recording shows several people pushing a woman into the car. The authenticity of the video has not been confirmed.
Shelley Kittleson lives in Belgrade. She reported from the Middle East and Afghanistan. It has been working in Syria in recent weeks.
Kataib Hezbollah is a Shiite armed group believed to be supported by Iran. In March 2023, the group kidnapped and held researcher Elizaveta Tsurkova, a Russian and Israeli citizen, for two and a half years. She was released in September 2025.