US journalist kidnapped in Iraq named and pictured as car ‘overturns in escape attempt’ | World | News
An American journalist has been kidnapped by an unknown group of individuals in Baghdad, Iraq. The country’s Interior Ministry confirmed the incident in a statement on Tuesday, with police sources naming her to Reuters as Shelly Kittleson. She was reportedly kidnapped on Saadoun Street, and a pursuit of the kidnappers headed southwest towards the Babil province.
Two cars were involved, one of which crashed and the other fled carrying Ms Kittleson, per Reuters. One person has been arrested by security officials, and a vehicle used in the abduction after a pursuit of the kidnappers has been seized, the ministry said. Efforts to find those involved and release the journalist are ongoing, it added.
The statement said: “The Ministry of Interior announces that this evening, a foreign journalist was kidnapped by unknown individuals.
“Security forces immediately launched an operation to apprehend the perpetrators, acting on precise intelligence and through intensive field operations, tracking the kidnappers’ movements.
“The pursuit resulted in the interception of a vehicle belonging to the kidnappers, which overturned as they attempted to escape. Security forces were able to arrest one of the suspects and seize one of the vehicles used in the crime.
The ministry said it will provide more details of the kidnapping later, and affirmed its stance against attempts to “destabilise security or target foregin guests”.
It added: “The Ministry affirms that efforts are ongoing to track down the remaining perpetrators and secure the release of the abducted woman, and to take due legal action against all those involved in this criminal act, in accordance with the law.
“Investigations are still underway to fully uncover the circumstances of the incident, and further details will be provided later.
“The Ministry of Interior reiterates its commitment to not permitting any attempt to destabilise security or target foreign guests, and its security forces will remain vigilant and resolute in pursuing lawbreakers and bringing them to justice.”
