India, April 1 --  Authorities in Iraq have launched an urgent search operation after an American journalist was abducted in the capital city of Baghdad, triggering international concern over the safety of reporters working in conflict zones.

Officials confirmed that award-winning journalist Shelly Kittleson was kidnapped on Tuesday evening from a busy area in central Baghdad. Iraqi security agencies immediately began tracking the suspects and seized one vehicle believed to be linked to the crime.

Reports indicate that authorities arrested one suspect suspected of links to the Iran-aligned militia Kataib Hezbollah, while investigators continue to hunt for additional attackers.

The United States government has acknowledged the inci...