Iraqi Armed Group to Release US Journalist, Orders Immediate Departure

Reuters reported that the group explicitly demanded in a statement that Kitelson must leave Iraq immediately after her release. Abu Mujahid al-Assaf, a security official for the Hezbollah Brigades, stated that this decision was in response to the 'national stance' of Iraq's outgoing Prime Minister. He emphasized that due to the ongoing 'war against Zionism and American enemies,' this release is a rare exception, and no similar actions will be taken in the future. According to government sources, Kitelson's successful release was primarily due to joint pressure from the Iraqi government and several influential Shiite leaders. Previously, Iraqi authorities arrested a pro-Iranian group member believed to be involved in the case; Washington considers the suspect to be closely linked to the US-blacklisted Hezbollah Brigades. Kitelson is a freelance journalist based in Rome, who has long reported on conflicts in the Middle East and contributed to the news website 'Al-Monitor.' On the day of the release announcement, a video allegedly of Kitelson circulated on social media, showing a woman speaking English to the camera. Although Reuters has not yet confirmed its authenticity, it is believed to be her first appearance since her disappearance. Security in Baghdad has improved in recent years, and kidnappings are less frequent than in previous years, but this incident has once again raised concerns about the safety of foreign nationals. The report also mentioned that Russian-Israeli scholar Elizabeth Tsurkov was kidnapped by the same organization in 2023 and regained her freedom only in 2025. (Compiled by Cheng Shih-yun) 1150408