Iraq says foreign journalist abducted, suspect arrested after chase

• Interior Ministry says security forces detained one suspect and are pursuing others

ISTANBUL

Iraq said Tuesday that unidentified assailants abducted a foreign journalist, adding that security forces arrested one suspect following a pursuit operation.

While authorities have not yet disclosed her nationality, local media identified her as Shelly Kittleson, a US national who works for many global news outlets.

The Interior Ministry said in a statement that the journalist, whose nationality was not officially disclosed, was kidnapped earlier in the evening, without specifying the location.

Security forces immediately launched an operation to track the kidnappers and pursue them in the field, it added.

The ministry said security forces chased a vehicle used by the kidnappers, which overturned as they attempted to flee.

One suspect was arrested during the chase, the ministry said, adding that efforts are ongoing to track down the remaining suspects and rescue the abducted journalist.

Investigations are continuing to determine the full circumstances of the incident, it added, with further details to be announced later.

The ministry stressed it will not allow attempts to undermine security or target foreign nationals, adding that security agencies remain vigilant in pursuing those responsible and bringing them to justice.

Iraqi media said that Kittleson was abducted in central Baghdad.

According to media reports, Kittleson is based between Baghdad and Italy and works for Al-Monitor, focusing on Middle East and Afghanistan affairs.

She is also affiliated with the Italian news agency, Foreign Policy, Newsline Magazine, and the BBC, the reports added.

The motive behind the abduction was not immediately known, but Iraq has seen several security incidents in recent days amid the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran.