American freelance journalist Shelly Kittleson was abducted in central Baghdad on Tuesday evening, prompting a swift response from Iraqi authorities who arrested one suspect linked to the Iran-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah.

The 49-year-old reporter, based in Rome and known for her coverage of conflicts in Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Afghanistan, and Lebanon, was seized near a hotel on Saadoun Street by four men in civilian clothes, according to surveillance footage and Iraqi officials. The kidnappers fled in two vehicles, but security forces pursued them toward Babil province, southwest of the capital. One car overturned near Al-Haswa during the chase, leading to the arrest of a suspect and the seizure of a vehicle used in the abduction. The journalist was reportedly transferred to another car that escaped.

Kittleson contributes to Al-Monitor, which issued a statement expressing deep alarm and calling for her safe and immediate release. "We stand by her vital reporting from the region," the outlet said. She had been warned multiple times by the U.S. State Department and FBI about specific threats, including as recently as Monday night. Officials informed her that her name appeared on a Kataib Hezbollah list targeting female journalists for kidnapping or assassination. Despite the alerts, she remained in Iraq to continue her work and had designated a friend as her emergency contact with U.S. officials.

Iraq's Interior Ministry confirmed the incident on Wednesday, stating that operations based on precise intelligence led to the initial arrest. "Efforts are ongoing to track down the remaining individuals involved, secure the release of the kidnapped journalist, and take legal action," the ministry said. The U.S. State Department acknowledged the kidnapping, noting it had fulfilled its duty to warn Kittleson and was coordinating with Iraqi authorities and the FBI. Assistant Secretary of State for Global Public Affairs Dylan Johnson posted on X that an individual tied to Kataib Hezbollah was in custody.

The abduction occurs amid heightened tensions in Iraq, where Iran-backed militias have escalated attacks on U.S. facilities since the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran began on February 28. The U.S. Embassy has repeatedly urged Americans, including journalists, to leave the country due to kidnapping risks. Past incidents include the 2023 abduction of researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov by Kataib Hezbollah. Baghdad, once notorious for kidnappings, has seen a decline in such crimes as security improved, but pro-Iran groups retain significant influence despite recent setbacks like the fall of Bashar al-Assad in Syria.

As of early Wednesday, the search for Kittleson continues with no further arrests reported. U.S. officials emphasized that protecting Americans abroad remains a top priority.