Kataib Hezbollah announced it will release American journalist Shelly Kittleson, who was kidnapped in Baghdad. The decision was made in appreciation of outgoing Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. Kittleson must leave Iraq immediately after her release. The militia had not previously acknowledged responsibility for her abduction. Negotiations for her release faced challenges due to the militia leaders' lack of communication. Iraqi authorities are willing to release detained Kataib Hezbollah members in exchange for Kittleson. Journalist advocacy groups are urging the US to classify her as a hostage.