Journalist abducted in Baghdad as security concerns rise

Iraqi authorities say a foreign journalist has been kidnapped in Baghdad, with limited details released as the search for those responsible continues.

The Ministry of Interior confirmed on Tuesday that the reporter was taken by “unknown individuals”. Security forces have since arrested one suspect and seized a vehicle believed to have been used in the abduction, following a pursuit in the capital.

Officials say efforts are ongoing to identify the remaining perpetrators and secure the journalist’s release.

While the government has not officially named the victim, press freedom groups and media reports suggest the abducted journalist may be US freelancer Shelley Kittleson.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) expressed concern over the incident and urged Iraqi authorities to act quickly.

“CPJ calls on Iraqi authorities to do everything in their power to locate Shelley Kittleson, ensure her immediate and safe release, and hold those responsible to account,” said Sara Qudah, the organisation’s Middle East regional director.

The US State Department said it is aware of reports of an American journalist being kidnapped and is coordinating with the FBI. A spokesperson added that the individual had previously been warned about security threats in Iraq.

According to the statement, a person with ties to the Iran-aligned group Kataib Hezbollah is believed to be involved and has been taken into custody.

The incident comes against a backdrop of rising instability. Iraq has seen an uptick in violence in recent weeks linked to the broader US-Israel war on Iran, including attacks on security forces in several regions.

Press freedom organisations warn that journalists in Iraq face mounting risks. Reporters Without Borders describes a landscape where reporters are exposed to pressure from multiple directions, compounded by weak state protection.

Abductions, the group notes, are increasingly used as a tool of intimidation — not only against prominent figures, but also against less high-profile journalists.

Recent weeks have also seen other reported incidents, including attacks on media crews, underscoring a deteriorating environment for reporting in the country.