A US freelance journalist who was kidnapped in the Iraqi capital Baghdad a week ago is to be released, an Iran-backed militia says. Kataib Hezbollah said on Tuesday it would release Shelly Kittleson, who was taken on 31 March, on the condition that she leave Iraq immediately. Abu Mujahid al-Assaf, a security official in the group, stated: In recognition of the national stances of the outgoing prime minister, we have decided to release the American defendant Shelly Kittleson. The New York Times and Associated Press reported Kittleson was released on Tuesday, citing Iraqi officials. However, her current location is not clear. At the time of the 49-year-old's abduction, the Iraqi government said security forces had pursued the suspects, leading to an overturned car and one arrest. Last week, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa al-Sudani ordered security forces to intensify efforts against those responsible for abducting foreigners. Kittleson's friend and CNN national security analyst Alex Plitsas has noted the alleged statement about her release but emphasized that there has been no official confirmation from the US government. It is reported that US officials had previously contacted Kittleson multiple times regarding threats against her safety, warning her of being on a list held by Kataib Hezbollah aimed at targeting female journalists. Kittleson, based in Rome, has extensive experience covering conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria.