American journalist kidnapped in Baghdad, suspect tied to Iran-backed militia

The footage captures journalist Shelly Kittleson standing on the side of a road when a silver car pulls up.

(NBC) — New video shows the moment an American journalist was kidnapped in Baghdad, raising concerns about escalating threats from Iran-backed militias.

The footage captures journalist Shelly Kittleson standing on the side of a road when a silver car pulls up. Two men are seen forcing her into the back seat before the vehicle quickly drives away.

Iraq’s Interior Ministry says security forces pursued the kidnappers, and the vehicle later crashed, leaving it badly damaged. One suspect has been arrested.

The U.S. State Department says the suspect has ties to Kataib Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militia with a history of targeting Americans.

Iraq’s government says efforts are ongoing to secure Kittleson’s release.

Kittleson is an experienced journalist who has spent years reporting across the Middle East. In a previous interview, she emphasized the importance of trusting instinct in dangerous situations, saying, “you need to develop that gut feeling and you need to follow it.”

The outlet she contributes to, Al-Monitor, is calling for her “safe and immediate release.”

Kataib Hezbollah has been linked to past kidnappings, including the case of Princeton researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov, who was held for more than 900 days before being released last year following negotiations during the Trump administration.

Since the start of the war in the region, Iran-backed militias have also repeatedly targeted the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, including attempted drone attacks intercepted by air defense systems.

Officials say this latest kidnapping could signal a new tactic by Iran-backed groups to pressure the United States.