American freelance journalist Shelley Kittleson released in Baghdad

Baghdad. American freelance journalist Shelley Kittleson, who was kidnapped in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad a week ago, has been released. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has confirmed her release. 

The Iran-backed militia group Kataib Hezbollah announced on Tuesday that it would release Kittleson on the condition that she leaves Iraq immediately. She was kidnapped on March 31.

Rubio described her release as a testament to the Trump administration's firm commitment to the safety of American citizens worldwide.

Thanking Iraqi officials for their assistance, he stated that the process to safely transport Kittleson out of the country is underway. At the time of the kidnapping, Iraqi security forces launched an operation to search for the kidnappers, during which one suspect was arrested. 

Earlier, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani had directed authorities to take strict action against those involved in the kidnapping of foreign nationals. Kittleson's friend and security analyst Alex Plitsas had initially stated that there was no formal confirmation from the US government regarding her release.

Prior to the kidnapping, US officials had warned Kittleson about the potential threat from Iran-backed armed groups.  She is a journalist based in Rome, Italy, who has been reporting from conflict zones such as Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria.