The State Department confirmed Tuesday that it is aware of reports that an American journalist has been kidnapped in Baghdad, Iraq, and said it was working to secure her release.

Iraqi officials said the country's security forces are working to rescue the kidnapped journalist, who has been identified by a publication she works for as freelancer Shelly Kittleson. 

Two Iraqi officials told the Associated Press that two vehicles were involved in the kidnapping, including one that crashed while being pursued near the town of Al-Haswa, which is located southwest of Baghdad. Kittleson was then allegedly transferred to a second car that fled the crash site. 

One suspect has been arrested in the case and one of the vehicles used in the crime has been seized, but others remain missing.

"The U.S. Department of State is aware of the reported kidnapping of an American journalist in Baghdad, Iraq," State Department spokesperson Dylan Johnson said on X. "The State Department previously fulfilled our duty to warn this individual of threats against them and we will continue to coordinate with the FBI to ensure their release as quickly as possible.

"An individual with ties to the Iranian-aligned militia group Kataib Hizballah believed to be involved in the kidnapping has been taken into custody by Iraqi authorities," he continued. "Iraq remains at a Level 4 Travel Advisory and Americans are advised not to travel to Iraq for any reason and to leave Iraq now.

"The State Department strongly advises all Americans, including members of the press, to adhere to all travel advisories," he added.

Middle Eastern news site Al Monitor confirmed Kittleson's identity and said she has been a longtime freelancer in the region, reporting extensively from Syria and Iraq.

“We call for her safe and immediate release,” the publication said in a statement. “We stand by her vital reporting from the region and call for her swift return to continue her important work.”

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.