Reporter kidnapped in Baghdad known for pursuing gutsy, low-budget assignments while living ‘frugal existence’

American journalist Shelly Kittleson, who often took on dangerous assignments, was warned about looming risks that coincided with her coverage, but didn’t believe threats against her were credible, before she was kidnapped in Iraq on Tuesday. 

Viral surveillance footage appeared to show Kittleson being forced into a car by two men at a busy intersection in Baghdad on Tuesday. The State Department has said an individual with ties to the Iranian-aligned militia group Kataib Hizballah is believed to be involved.