American Journalist Kidnapped in Baghdad

0:00An American journalist named Shelley Kiddelsen got kidnapped in Baghdad this week, marking a scary turn in a tense region. She first tried crossing from Syria into Iraq three weeks ago on March 9th through the al-Qaim border, but got turned back without a press permit and amid security worries from the ongoing war, including aerial threats over Iraqi skies. She made it in later on a 60-day transit visa meant for folks stuck nearby heading home. Kiddelsen hid Baghdad just days before the grab, chilling at a hotel in the capital. Her mom, Barb, shared they swapped emails Monday with photos from Iraq. Barb said her daughter chased journalism to help people, even though she begged her to come home safe. Meanwhile, Iraqi officials tipped off the U.S. about a specific threat from Iran, linked militias, and the State Department warned Kiddelsen multiple. Times, right up to the night before, security forces chased the kidnappers, nabbing one suspect after his car crashed, though others ditched in a second ride with her.

1:00Surveillance caught the snatch on video, showing two guys forcing her into a car after a quick tussle. Iraqi intel and security are on it under the Prime Minister's watch, with that suspect now spilling under questioning as the hunt ramps up. That's the story for today. Vancouver News Today, Driven by AI