US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that American freelance journalist Shelly Kittleson, who was abducted in Baghdad on March 31, has been released after a week in captivity. The Iran-backed militia group Kataib Hezbollah earlier stated it would release her on the condition that she immediately leave Iraq. Rubio described the release as a reflection of the Trump administration’s commitment to the safety of US citizens worldwide.

He expressed gratitude to Iraqi officials for their assistance in securing Kittleson’s release and said the United States is now working to ensure her safe departure from Iraq. The 49-year-old journalist’s abduction had prompted an Iraqi government response, with security forces pursuing suspects, leading to a vehicle crash and one arrest.

According to the report, the release followed coordination between US and Iraqi authorities, though details of the negotiation process were not disclosed.