India, April 1 -- American journalist Shelly Kittleson has reportedly been kidnapped in Baghdad, Iraq, according to media reports.

A U.S. State Department official confirmed awareness of the incident but did not initially disclose the journalist's identity. Assistant Secretary of State for Global Public Affairs Dylan Johnson later addressed the matter on X, stating that the department is coordinating with the FBI to secure her release.

"The U.S. Department of State is aware of the reported kidnapping of an American journalist in Baghdad, Iraq," Johnson wrote.

"The State Department previously fulfilled its duty to warn this individual of threats against them and will continue to coordinate with the FBI to ensure their release as quickly...