American journalist, Shelly Kittleson's last Instagram post before her abduction has resurfaced on the social media.
American journalist Shelly Kittleson has reportedly been kidnapped by Kataib Hezbollah, which is an Iran-backed militant group. Shelly's kidnapping took place in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad. As per reports on social media, the 49-year-old journalist, Shelly, was abducted on March 31, 2026, by Al-Monitor. She used to write for an independent media outlet. Now, Shelly's last Instagram post before her abduction has gone viral on social media.
For the unversed, American journalist, Shelly Kittleson hailed from Monticello, Wisconsin. Now, her last Instagram post has gone viral on social media, which was exactly a week before her kidnapping. Shelly had shared a snap of an empty desert, with clouds covering the sky. The caption to the post was:
"Syrian desert. March 2026."
The kidnapping of American journalist Shelly Kittleson in Iraq has sparked global concern. Details related to her last post on social media had already been out before she was kidnapped in Baghdad. Speaking about Shelly Kittleson, she has been a war correspondent who has mainly reported for international media outlets such as Al-Monitor, the BBC, Politico, and Foreign Policy. Her kidnapping, according to a New York Post report, took place on March 31, 2026, in the Iraqi capital. Well, according to the Iraqi and US officials, Shelly was abducted by armed men when she was on a street in central Baghdad, which is reportedly near the Baghdad Hotel area. Al-Monitor, for whom Shelly worked, in a statement mentioned:
"We are deeply alarmed by the kidnapping of Al-Monitor contributor Shelly Kittleson in Iraq on Tuesday. We call for her safe and immediate release. We stand by her vital reporting from the region and call for her swift return to continue her important work."
Well, a few days back, Middle East Uncovered took to the Instagram handle, tagged Shelly in her ground report from Syria. The caption spoke about how a tenuous sense of calm blanketed Damascus as authorities try to reassure foreign powers and avoid being drawn into the conflict. Netizens who have been worried for Shelly wrote, "I hope you return home safely. I’m praying for you, and my heart is with you." Another one wrote, "Wishing you a safe return home, Shelly. I am very sorry. Omg just reading this bad news.... i pray... Hope nothing happens. Oh dear friend- I hope you are safe and quickly return to us." A concerned netizen even said:
"Praying for your safety and immediate return home, Shelly. Thank you for all your efforts and reporting. Wishing you a safe return to your family, friends and home. Love and prayers from Syria."
According to reports on social media, Shelly Kittleson's kidnapping was caught on camera, and local outlets on X reported that she was bundled in the back of a car that was also driven by armed men who had stopped her on one of the busy streets of Baghdad. Shelly is known for her work with BBC World, Politico, and Foreign Policy.
According to reports, there were two vehicles that were reportedly spotted and also involved in Shelly's kidnapping. Well, Pentagon officials believe that Shelly may have been taken hostage by the Iraqi Shiite paramilitary group. Shelly Kittleson's friend, Alex Piltsas, had taken to X to seek help in finding Shelly. The tweet read:
"I can confirm that my friend Shelly Kittleson was abducted and may have taken hostage in Baghdad by Khatib Hezbollah. Whereabouts and condition unknown. I am her designated US point of contact. If you have information please provide to law enforcement and send me a DM."
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