American journalist kidnapped in Iraq released, Rubio says

An American journalist who was kidnapped in Iraq has been released, according to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

“I am pleased to announce the release of American journalist Shelly Kittleson, who was recently abducted by members of the foreign terrorist organization Kata’ib Hezbollah in Baghdad,” Rubio said.

He added that the United States is now working to ensure Kittleson’s safe evacuation from Iraq.

The journalist was kidnapped in early April. Kittleson specializes in Middle East and Afghanistan affairs, and her work has been published in international, American, and Italian media outlets.