American journalist Shelly Kittleson freed after abduction in Iraq

Journalist Shelly Kittleson was freed after being kidnapped in Baghdad last week.

(NBC)- An American journalist who was abducted in Iraq has been released, according to U.S. officials.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Tuesday that journalist Shelly Kittleson was freed after being kidnapped in Baghdad last week.

An Iran-backed Iraqi militia group, Kataib Hezbollah, said she would be released on the condition that she leave the country immediately.

Rubio said the State Department is now working to ensure Kittleson’s safe departure from Iraq.

He also thanked the FBI, Department of Defense, and Iraqi partners for their role in securing her release.