Baghdad, April 01: The Iraqi Ministry of Defense announced that American amateur journalist Shelly Kittelson has been kidnapped by unknown persons in Baghdad.
Local media reported that security forces have launched an operation to find the kidnappers. The Iraqi Ministry of Defense clarified that the search operation is underway based on accurate intelligence information.
The kidnappers’ vehicle overturned in an attempt to escape, it was said. The kidnapping was confirmed on Tuesday evening. It was not clear from where the kidnapping took place. However, local media reported that the kidnapping took place from Baghdad. One suspect has been arrested and one of the vehicles used for the kidnapping has been seized, but the others are still missing.
Local media identified the journalist as Shelly Kittelson. Kittleson, a long-time freelancer in the region and reporting extensively from Syria and Iraq, holds a US passport, and official sources said all efforts were being made to secure the release of the award-winning journalist.