American journalist Shelly Kittleson, who was reportedly kidnapped by Iran-backed militant group Kataib Hezbollah in the Iraqi capital Baghdad, shared her last Instagram post on March 21. The 49-year-old’s abduction on Tuesday, March 31, was confirmed by Al-Monitor, an independent media outlet for which she had written. Kittleson was from Monticello, Wisconsin
“We are deeply alarmed by the kidnapping of Al-Monitor contributor Shelly Kittleson in Iraq on Tuesday. We call for her safe and immediate release,” Al-Monitor said in a statement, the New York Post reported.
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“We stand by her vital reporting from the region and call for her swift return to continue her important work,” the statement concluded.
Shelly Kittleson’s last post
In her last Instagram post, shared a little more than a week before her kidnapping, Kittleson shared a photo of an empty desert, with clouds covering the sky. “Syrian desert. March 2026,” she captioned the post.
Meanwhile, five days ago, Middle East Uncovered took to Instagram to share a report by Kittleson. Tagging the journalist, the outlet wrote, “shellyrkittleson reports from the ground in Syria, where a tenuous sense of calm has blanketed Damascus as authorities try to reassure foreign powers and avoid being drawn into the conflict. Families describe bringing loved ones home from other countries in the region to keep them safe as they hope against all odds to stay out of escalating hostilities.”
{{/usCountry}}Meanwhile, five days ago, Middle East Uncovered took to Instagram to share a report by Kittleson. Tagging the journalist, the outlet wrote, “shellyrkittleson reports from the ground in Syria, where a tenuous sense of calm has blanketed Damascus as authorities try to reassure foreign powers and avoid being drawn into the conflict. Families describe bringing loved ones home from other countries in the region to keep them safe as they hope against all odds to stay out of escalating hostilities.”
{{/usCountry}}The article is headlined, “Can Syria sustain its stability amid regional escalation?”
Many well-wishers commented on Middle East Uncovered’s post, praying for Kittleson’s safe return.
“I hope you return home safely. I’m praying for you, and my heart is with you,” one user wrote. Another said, “I hope USA will send delta force to get you back home”.
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“I hope you get home safe Shelly! Praying for you,” said a user, while another commented, “Oh dear friend- i hope you are safe ….. and quickly return back to us …”
Shelly Kittleson’s kidnapping
Kittleson’s kidnapping was caught on camera, with footage from local outlets shared on X reportedly showing her being bundled into the back of a car by armed men who stopped her at a busy intersection in Baghdad. Kittleson has written extensively for BBC World, Politico, and Foreign Policy.
Kittleson was reportedly ambushed near the Baghdad Hotel, located close to the heavily-militarized Green Zone. Two vehicles were reportedly involved in her kidnapping.
No one has claimed responsibility for Kittleson’s kidnapping. However, a former Pentagon official believes that the journalist may have been taken hostage by the Iraqi Shiite paramilitary group.
“I can confirm that my friend Shelly Kittleson was abducted and may have taken hostage in Baghdad by Khatib Hezbollah. Whereabouts and condition unknown. I am her designated U.S. point of contact. If you have information please provide to law enforcement and send me a DM,” Alex Plitsas wrote on X.
Kittleson reportedly spent years reporting from war zones in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria.