Marco Rubio’s State Department has issued a statement on the kidnapping of American journalist Shelly Kittleson in Iraq.
Kittleson was grabbed in broad daylight by an Iran-backed militia group.
The State Department is calling on all Americans to leave Iraq.
STATE DEPT: “An individual with ties to the Iranian-aligned militia group Kataib Hizballah believed to be involved in the kidnapping has been taken into custody by Iraqi authorities.
The U.S. Department of State is aware of the reported kidnapping of an American journalist in Baghdad, Iraq.”
The State Department previously fulfilled our duty to warn this individual of threats against them and we will continue to coordinate with the FBI to ensure their release as quickly as possible.
Iraq remains at a Level 4 Travel Advisory and Americans are advised not to travel to Iraq for any reason and to leave Iraq now.
The State Department strongly advise all Americans, including members of the press, to adhere to all travel advisories.”
This story is developing…
The U.S. Department of State is aware of the reported kidnapping of an American journalist in Baghdad, Iraq.
The State Department previously fulfilled our duty to warn this individual of threats against them and we will continue to coordinate with the FBI to ensure their…
— Dylan Johnson (@ASDylanJohnson) March 31, 2026
