Elizabeth Tsurkov freed in Iraq after ordeal lasting over two years

BAGHDAD — Elizabeth Tsurkov, a Russian-Israeli Princeton doctoral student abducted in Baghdad in March 2023, was released Tuesday night after more than two years in captivity, Iraqi and U.S. officials said.

Sabah al-Numan, spokesman for the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, said in a statement that security forces “succeeded, on Sept. 9, in locating and reaching the site of her detention” following “extensive and high-level security and intelligence efforts” coordinated by several parties.

Tsurkov was transferred to the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad to be reunited with her sister, a U.S. citizen, according to the statement.

U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed her release in a post on Truth Social: “I am pleased to report that Elizabeth Tsurkov, a Princeton Student, whose sister is an American Citizen, was just released by Kata’ib Hezbollah (MILITANT Hezbollah), and is now safely in the American Embassy in Iraq after being tortured for many months. I will always fight for JUSTICE, and never give up. HAMAS, RELEASE THE HOSTAGES, NOW!”

Tsurkov disappeared in March 2023 while conducting research in Iraq under a Russian passport. Her case has drawn international attention.

Official Statement from Sabah Al-Numan:

In late March 2023, a group of outlaws abducted Russian citizen Elizabeth Tsurkov while she was in the capital, Baghdad, A crime that does not represent the true state of security and stability prevailing throughout Iraq’s cities.

Since then, our security services have been operating discreetly, out of the media spotlight, to preserve the confidentiality of information and ensure the safety of the abducted Russian citizen.

Following extensive and high-level security and intelligence efforts, and in coordination with several internal parties acting guided by a strong sense of national and humanitarian responsibility, the competent authorities succeeded, on September 9, in locating and reaching the site of her detention. She was subsequently handed over to the Embassy of the United States, which will facilitate her reunion with her sister, a U.S. citizen.

On this occasion, we reaffirm that our security services will continue to pursue all those involved in this crime and ensure they are held accountable in accordance with the law. We highly commend the sincere efforts that contributed to the release of the Russian citizen and all those who worked to defend Iraq’s reputation, security, and stability. We further affirm that our Armed Forces, along with all our security institutions and formations, remain unwavering in their duty to uphold the rule of law, protect the state and its institutions, and hold accountable anyone who seeks to undermine the security and stability achieved through great sacrifices and dedicated national efforts.