U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio officially announced that American journalist Shelly Kittleson, kidnapped in Baghdad, has been released by a pro-Iranian militia in Iraq.

Shelly Kittleson, an American journalist, was released on Tuesday after being kidnapped in Iraq last week. An Iraqi official, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed that Kittleson was released by her captors but could not confirm whether she had already left the country. The Kataib Hezbollah militia, which is under Iranian influence, stated that it agreed to release her on the condition that she immediately leave Iraq. The U.S. State Department was informed about the kidnapping and warned Kittleson about threats to her safety. The journalist, who has collaborated with various publications, has reported from across the Middle East region. A national security analyst confirmed that a video has been obtained proving that Kittleson is alive. Additionally, press freedom organizations have urged the U.S. government to consider Kittleson a hostage and to ensure her safe release.