US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has confirmed the release of American journalist Shelly Kittleson, who was abducted a week earlier by the Iran-supported Kata’ib Hizballah militia in Baghdad. Rubio expressed his satisfaction with the successful efforts of US agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Iraqi authorities in securing Kittleson’s freedom. The release was accompanied by conditions ensuring her immediate departure from Iraq.
Rubio acknowledged the collaborative work of various US agencies, the Iraqi Supreme Judicial Council, and Iraqi partners in facilitating Kittleson’s release. He emphasized the US Department of State’s dedication to safeguarding American citizens globally. Rubio highlighted the Trump administration’s unwavering commitment to the safety of US nationals, emphasizing that any wrongful detention or kidnapping of Americans will not be tolerated.
The Secretary of State reassured that all available resources would be utilized to bring back American citizens and hold those responsible for such actions accountable. Rubio expressed relief at Kittleson’s freedom and ongoing efforts to ensure her safe return home from Iraq. Kittleson, a freelance journalist renowned for her reporting from conflict zones, particularly in Syria and Iraq, has been independently covering ground realities in volatile regions for several years.
