Marco Rubio’s State Department has issued a statement on the kidnapping of American journalist Shelly Kittleson in Iraq.
Kittleson was grabbed in broad daylight by an Iran-backed militia group.
The State Department is calling on all Americans to leave Iraq.
Don’t miss the stories that matter.
Get Sean’s breaking news alerts — free, direct to your inbox.
STATE DEPT: “An individual with ties to the Iranian-aligned militia group Kataib Hizballah believed to be involved in the kidnapping has been taken into custody by Iraqi authorities.
The U.S. Department of State is aware of the reported kidnapping of an American journalist in Baghdad, Iraq.”
The State Department previously fulfilled our duty to warn this individual of threats against them and we will continue to coordinate with the FBI to ensure their release as quickly as possible.
Iraq remains at a Level 4 Travel Advisory and Americans are advised not to travel to Iraq for any reason and to leave Iraq now.
The State Department strongly advise all Americans, including members of the press, to adhere to all travel advisories.”
This story is developing…
🚨 BREAKING: Marco Rubio’s State Department confirms that a man with IRAN-BACKED militia group ties KIDNAPPED American journalist Shelly Kittleson in Iraq
Armed men got her in broad daylight, as shown in terrifying footage
Pray she is rescued.
The State Department is calling… pic.twitter.com/dGCeclOXML
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) March 31, 2026
