Kataib Hezbollah announced the release of American journalist Shelly Kittleson, who had been kidnapped in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, a week earlier, and said she was instructed to leave the country immediately.

The group’s security official, Abu Mujahid al‑Assaf, said in a statement that the decision to release her came “in appreciation of the national positions of outgoing Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al‑Sudani,” confirming that Kittleson “will leave Iraq immediately.”

Al‑Assaf added that this step “will not be repeated in the coming days, and circumstances may be different if a war breaks out,” as he put it.

A report by The New York Times had indicated that Kataib Hezbollah contacted the Iraqi government offering to negotiate her release in exchange for the release of several of its detained members.

Amnesty International expressed deep concern for Kittleson’s safety, calling on Iraqi and U.S. authorities to act urgently to secure her release and hold those responsible for the kidnapping accountable.

Kittleson is an independent journalist based in Rome who contributes to American and Italian media outlets, including Il Foglio and the ANSA news agency, as well as international platforms such as Al‑Monitor, the BBC, and Politico.

Reporters Without Borders had earlier in the day called for her unconditional release, warning of increasing risks faced by journalists working in conflict zones.