01.04.2026 00:47
The abduction of American journalist Shelly Kittleson in Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, has resonated in the international community, while a notable statement came from the Washington administration. Dylan Johnson, a U.S. State Department official, stated that the journalist had been warned about potential threats in the past and announced that efforts to secure her release are ongoing.
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Global Public Affairs Dylan Johnson made statements regarding the abduction of American journalist Shelly Kittleson in Iraq. Johnson noted that the journalist had previously been warned about threats directed at her.
“WE HAVE FULFILLED OUR OBLIGATION TO WARN PREVIOUSLY”
Johnson stated regarding the journalist who was abducted by armed and unidentified individuals in Baghdad, “The State Department has previously warned her about threats directed at her.”
Johnson indicated that U.S. authorities are aware of the incident and noted that efforts are ongoing for the journalist's release.
JOINT WORK WITH THE FBI
Johnson stated that they are working in coordination with the FBI for the journalist's rescue, expressing that the process is being closely monitored.
ALLEGATION OF IRAN CONNECTION
The statement shared information that a person believed to be connected to the Iran-aligned Kataib Hezbollah has been detained by Iraqi authorities in relation to the incident.
TRAVEL WARNING FROM THE U.S.
Johnson reminded that Iraq is currently under a “Level 4 Travel Warning” and urged U.S. citizens not to travel to the country and those currently in Iraq to leave immediately.