ISTANBUL
The US State Department said Tuesday it is aware of the kidnapping of an American journalist in Baghdad and is coordinating with the FBI to secure her release.
Assistant Secretary of State for Global Public Affairs Dylan Johnson confirmed that a suspect with ties to an Iranian-aligned militia Kataib Hezbollah, who is believed to be involved in the kidnapping, has been taken into custody by Iraqi authorities.
"The State Department previously fulfilled our duty to warn this individual of threats against them," he added.
The journalist was identified by the media as Shelly Kittleson, a US national who contributes to multiple international news outlets.
Iraqi authorities said security forces pursued a vehicle used by the kidnappers, which overturned during the chase, leading to one arrest.
Efforts to locate the remaining suspects and rescue Kittleson are ongoing.
Iraq's Interior Ministry did not disclose the motive behind the abduction. The incident comes amid heightened security tensions in Iraq and the ongoing US-Israeli strikes on Iran that began on Feb. 28.
Johnson reiterated Iraq's Level 4 Travel Advisory, the highest designation, urging all Americans, including journalists, not to travel or leave the country immediately if already there.