American journalist Shelly Kittleson abducted in central Baghdad

BAGHDAD — American journalist Shelly Kittleson was abducted near the Palestine Hotel on Saadoun Street in central Baghdad on Tuesday, a security source told 964media. The source said an armed group wearing black uniforms carried out the abduction.

Kittleson is an award-winning journalist who has reported from the Middle East for outlets including Al-Monitor, BBC, Politico and Foreign Policy.

The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad has repeatedly warned American citizens of a kidnapping risk in Iraq, citing threats from Iran-aligned armed groups amid the ongoing regional war.

This is a developing story