American Journalist Kidnapped in Iraq Is From Wisconsin

Freelancer Shelly Kittleson was taken in Baghdad, officials say

Apr. 1, 2026 at 1:22am

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An American journalist named Shelly Kittleson, who is from Monticello, Wisconsin, was kidnapped on Tuesday in Baghdad, Iraqi officials confirmed. Kittleson, a freelance journalist, was taken by two cars, one of which crashed during a pursuit, before she was transferred to a second vehicle that fled the scene.

Why it matters

The kidnapping of an American journalist in Iraq raises concerns about the safety and security of media professionals operating in conflict zones, especially as tensions remain high in the region. Kittleson's hometown of Monticello, Wisconsin is also now thrust into the national spotlight due to this incident.

The details

According to Iraqi officials, two cars were involved in the kidnapping of Shelly Kittleson. One of the cars crashed while being pursued near the town of Al-Haswa in Babil province southwest of Baghdad. Kittleson was then transferred to a second car that fled the scene. A U.S. official blamed the Iran-backed Iraqi militia Kataib Hezbollah for the kidnapping.

  • Kittleson was kidnapped on Tuesday, April 1, 2026 in Baghdad, Iraq.
  • Kittleson had messaged and sent photos to her mother on Monday, April 31, 2026, saying she was fine at that time.

The players

Shelly Kittleson

A freelance American journalist who was kidnapped in Baghdad, Iraq. Kittleson is from Monticello, Wisconsin.

Barbara Kittleson

The mother of Shelly Kittleson, who said the FBI had visited her home in Wisconsin after her daughter's kidnapping.

Kataib Hezbollah

An Iran-backed Iraqi militia that a U.S. official blamed for the kidnapping of Shelly Kittleson.

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What they’re saying

“The FBI had just been to her house and had promised they were looking into the reports.”

— Barbara Kittleson, Mother of Shelly Kittleson

What’s next

The FBI and Iraqi authorities are investigating the kidnapping of Shelly Kittleson and working to secure her safe return.

The takeaway

The kidnapping of an American journalist in Iraq underscores the ongoing risks and dangers faced by media professionals operating in conflict zones. This incident has also brought national attention to Kittleson's hometown of Monticello, Wisconsin as the community awaits news of her safe return.