The Iraqi Ministry of Interior confirmed on Tuesday the kidnapping of a foreign journalist in the capital Baghdad, while a security source indicated that the journalist holds American nationality and is named "Shelly Cuttleson".
The ministry stated in a statement received by (Al-Rabi'a), "On the evening of this day, a foreign journalist was subjected to a kidnapping incident by unknown individuals. Immediately, the specialized security forces began their duties to chase the perpetrators, based on precise intelligence information, intensive field effort, and tracking the kidnappers' route."
The statement added that "the pursuit and chase operations resulted in surrounding a vehicle belonging to the kidnappers, leading to its overturn during their escape attempt, where the security forces managed to arrest one of the suspects and seize one of the vehicles used in the crime."
The statement further mentioned, "Efforts are ongoing to track the rest of the culprits and liberate the kidnapped woman, implementing legal procedures properly against all participants in this criminal act, according to the law, and investigations are still underway to fully unveil the details of the incident, and updates will be provided later."
The ministry reiterated, "its assurance that it will not allow any attempt to undermine security or target foreign guests, and its security agencies will remain vigilant and firm in pursuing those who break the law and bringing them to justice."
Meanwhile, a security source said, "The journalist holds American nationality and is named Shelly Cuttleson," noting that "she was residing in a hotel on Saadoun Street in central Baghdad and was abducted near her residence."
