Shelly Kittleson is shown in a photograph from her X handle.@shellykittleson/X
As the hunt persisted in Iraq on Thursday for American journalist Shelly Kittleson, whom U.S. and Iraqi officials claim was abducted in Baghdad, a fellow reporter depicted her as a tough and adaptable journalist who possessed deep familiarity with the nation and took precautions to avert perils.
"I sincerely believe she was definitely singled out due to her American nationality. That is a significant component," Kiran Nazish, executive of the Coalition for Women in Journalism, stated to ABC News. "Moreover, she is among the scarce few reporters who venture into the area. Numerous individuals recognize her. It’s conceivable she was being monitored."
Shelly Kittleson is depicted in a photo from her X account.@shellykittleson/X
Kittleson, a 49-year-old independent reporter originally hailing from Wisconsin, was seized from a street in Baghdad during daylight hours on Tuesday, according to the Iraqi Ministry of Interior.
Nazish characterized Kittleson as not just "outstanding in her reporting" but also as someone who is "extremely watchful and cautious."
"She possesses a very robust, possibly the strongest I’ve observed, network of dependable confidants who would safeguard her, and with whom she would feel secure. I doubt she would proceed without that," Nazish remarked.
Nazish revealed that merely a couple of weeks ago, Kittleson participated in hostile environment and first aid training (HEFAT).
"One of the consistent practices during HEFAT training involves simulating situations as a journalist … specifically addressing the potential of being kidnapped," Nazish explained. "She underwent that exercise, and I gathered from colleagues present during the training that it was psychologically challenging for her. Consequently, during that segment, she experienced some distress."
The matter is still being examined, but the Iraqi interior ministry stated on Thursday that there were no updates concerning Kittleson’s location.
Security footage authenticated by ABC News and corroborated by Iraq’s interior ministry documented the instant Kittleson was abducted while standing on a pavement. The video illustrated a silver automobile approaching Kittleson, whereupon several individuals apprehended her and forcibly placed her into the vehicle before it sped away.
Shelly Kittleson is displayed in an image from her X account.@shellykittleson/X
A separate automobile allegedly linked to the abduction crashed while attempting to escape, and one occupant was apprehended by Iraqi security forces, according to Dylan Johnson, U.S. assistant secretary of state for global public affairs.
The arrested individual has connections to the Iranian-aligned militia faction Kataib Hezbollah, Johnson announced in a statement on Tuesday.
As the quest for Kittleson persisted on Thursday, U.S. officials released a fresh advisory to Americans remaining in Iraq, urging them to depart the country without delay, as Iraqi terrorist militia groups aligned with Iran may "intend to launch assaults" in central Baghdad.
The latest alert arises as the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran has commenced its second month.
"Iraqi terrorist militia groups associated with Iran may be contemplating undertaking attacks in the heart of Baghdad within the next 24-48 hours," the warning from the United States Embassy and Consulate in Iraq declares. "Iran and Iranian-affiliated terrorist militias have executed widespread assaults against U.S. citizens and targets related to the United States throughout Iraq, notably within the Iraqi Kurdistan Region (IKR)."
Johnson indicated in his declaration earlier this week that the State Department had cautioned Kittleson "repeatedly" concerning threats directed at her and was collaborating with the FBI to ensure her liberation.
However, Nazish pointed out that threats against journalists operating in Iraq and across the Middle East are commonplace, and Kittleson had faced threats previously.
"Having collaborated with Shelly and been acquainted with her over the years, we are aware that … she frequently encountered threats," Nazish stated.
Nazish mentioned that she spoke with Kittleson, who was situated in Rome, via telephone on Wednesday or Thursday of the preceding week, though primarily concerning personal matters.
"We are aware that Shelly was in communication with colleagues and other individuals, including sources, to develop a story she aimed to pursue, which necessitated her visiting Iraq to engage with several families," Nazish elaborated.
Nazish stated it remains ambiguous whether Kittleson had been commissioned by a news organization to pursue the story in Iraq.
Al-Monitor, a Washington, D.C.-based news website providing coverage of the Middle East, to which Kittleson contributed, released a statement this week advocating for her "safe and prompt release."
"We are profoundly disturbed by the abduction of Al-Monitor contributor Shelly Kittleson in Iraq on Tuesday," the publication announced. "We support her crucial reporting from the region and urge her swift return to continue her significant work."
Nazish conveyed that Kittleson is fervent about her work in the Middle East, notably in Iraq and Syria.
"Shelly has persevered in the region due to her genuine concern and extensive understanding of it. What I also recognize about Shelly is her robust network," Nazish commented, adding that Kittleson was fluent in Arabic and frequently operated on a tight budget. "Individuals in the region recognize Shelly as someone who has maintained a presence, and she has successfully fostered trust among diverse communities."
Sourse: abcnews.go.com