An American journalist has been abducted in Baghdad while covering the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, according to reports by Al Arabiya. Local media has identified the journalist as Shelly Kittleson.

However, authorities in both the United States and Iraq have not officially confirmed her identity.

Iraqi Authorities Confirm Abduction

Although officials did not verify the journalist’s name, Iraq’s Interior Ministry confirmed that a kidnapping had taken place. In its statement, the ministry said a “foreign journalist” had been taken by “unknown individuals.”

A video of the abduction has also surfaced, adding to concerns over the incident.

American freelance journalist Shelly Kittleson was kidnapped in central Baghdad today (Tuesday, 31 March 2026) by an unidentified armed group. She was abducted near the Palestine Hotel on Al-Sa'doun Street, which is located in the busy Rusafa district of central Baghdad, near… pic.twitter.com/TNkGs96oE7

— T_CAS videos (@tecas2000) March 31, 2026

Suspect Arrested, Vehicle Seized

Authorities have made some progress in the investigation. According to reports by Al Jazeera, police arrested one suspect linked to the kidnapping.

Officials also seized the vehicle used in the crime. The car reportedly overturned during the suspects’ escape, which led to its capture.

So far, US authorities have not issued any official statement or responded to media queries regarding the incident.

Who Is Shelly Kittleson?

Shelly Kittleson is a US-born freelance journalist and photojournalist with extensive experience reporting from conflict zones. According to her profile on the Women’s Media Center, she has covered regions across the Middle East and Afghanistan.

She began her journalism career in Afghanistan, producing radio documentaries for RAI in the early 2010s. In a 2007 interview with TRT World, she spoke about her early work in conflict reporting.

Originally from rural Wisconsin, Kittleson gained her first direct conflict experience in 2012 when she entered opposition-held Syria to report from the ground. Since then, she has focused on security, conflict, and post-conflict issues across the region.