- American freelance journalist Shelly Kittleson, kidnapped last week from Baghdad, was released by the Iran-backed Iraqi militia Kataib Hezbollah on Tuesday.
- Kataib Hezbollah announced her release, stating it was "in appreciation of the patriotic stances of the outgoing prime minister," Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.
- The militia had not previously admitted responsibility for the abduction, despite U.S. and Iraqi officials attributing it to them.
- Kittleson, 49, built a respected journalism career in the Middle East and had reportedly been warned multiple times about threats before her abduction.
- Negotiations for her release faced difficulties due to challenges in contacting Kataib Hezbollah's leadership, though Iraqi authorities were prepared to release detained militia members.
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