US journalist Shelly Kittleson kidnapped in Baghdad

[muriel_volestrangler]

Source: BBC

A US freelance journalist has been kidnapped in the Iraqi capital Baghdad, and one of the suspects is linked to an Iran-backed militia, Iraqi and US officials say.

Shelly Kittleson was abducted on Tuesday evening, said Al-Monitor, a news outlet for which she has contributed articles.

The Iraqi interior ministry said security forces had chased the reporter's abductors in a pursuit that resulted in one of the kidnappers' cars overturning and the arrest of one suspect.

A US state department official said an individual with ties to an Iranian-aligned militia group, Kataib Hezbollah, was detained by Iraqi authorities.

Read more: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5yled478zwo

---

Fuck.

Also:

The US state department has called on US citizens currently in Saudi Arabia to shelter in place until further notice.

In a statement, it said the US embassy in Riyadh had directed all US government employees to do the same.

The department added that it was “tracking reports of threats against locations where American citizens gather”, and that hotels, US businesses and schools could be “potential targets”.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2026/mar/31/iran-latest-updates-trump-threats-oil-spill-dubai-tehran-jerusalem-strikes?CMP=share_btn_url&page=with%3Ablock-69cc28708f08d1f29e6d44d8#block-69cc28708f08d1f29e6d44d8

[hlthe2b]

1. Damn... 'Never those responsible for policy that are targeted...

I hope she survives this.

[biophile]

2. I hope the kidnappers don't think Drumpf gives a shit about a female journalist

[Buddyzbuddy]

3. Iran should make sure no harm comes to her.

Show her the atrocities committed by Hegseth in America's name. Allow her to interview the victims families. Allow her the freedom to witness and report as long as she is willing and return her to a Country of her choosing for her safety.

Since, the Pentagon won't allow freedom of the press.

[EX500rider]

4. "Since, the Pentagon won't allow freedom of the press." Do you think Iran does?

Freedom of the press in Iran is extremely restricted, with the country consistently ranking among the world's most repressive, often in the bottom ten of the RSF World Press Freedom Index. Authorities severely censor media, arrest journalists, and restrict internet access to stifle dissent, particularly following protests.

[dpibel]

5. Proving what?

How in the world does the state of free speech in Iran, where it clearly is not allowed, let alone guaranteed, have anything to do with whether the Pentagon follows the US Constitution?

Are you arguing that the Pentagon is correctly moving away from the dictates of the US Constitution in favor of a stance closer to that of Iran?

Or are you just plain old whatabouting?

[EX500rider]

6. My point was no way iran lets a western reporter report freely about anything in iran

[Buddyzbuddy]

7. Did I say that they have freedom of the press?

Did you read, that I wrote that?
NO,YOU DID NOT.

But, I do live in a Country that is supposed to have freedom of the press per our Constitution. So how about we concentrate on our own Country and leaders that insist on breaking the law.

What is it that I wrote that offended you so much. Was it the part about do her no harm. Or protect her while giving her the freedom to report since our Country is restricting reporters.
Her safety is #1. Defending the rights of our Constitution is right up there. I know you're not trying to compare regimes, right?

[EX500rider]

8. I wasn't offended, more amused that you think Iran would do anything like that

[Buddyzbuddy]

9. Again, I didn't say I thought they would.

If you're amused by somebody hoping for a positive outcome for a kidnapped journalist then that sounds very odd.
But heck, as long as you're amused go ahead and keep telling me about your inevitable outcome for her to suit your pessimistic view so you can be right. Because, after all, that's what's important. Right?

[EX500rider]

10. "keep telling me about your inevitable outcome for her" Where did I do that?

I just pointed out Iran's track record on freedom of the press makes your wish on outcome very unlikely.