Baghdad: Iraq's Kataib Hezbollah militia on Tuesday announced the release of US journalist Shelly Kittleson and ordered the reporter to leave the country immediately.

According to Anadolu Agency, the release "will not be repeated," as stated by group member Abu Mujahid al-Assaf on US social media company X. Kittleson was kidnapped in Baghdad on March 31, amid growing tensions in the region.

Her capture came during a period of regional escalations, triggered since Israel and the US launched an offensive against Iran on Feb. 28. In response, Tehran has conducted drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries that host US military assets. These retaliatory actions have resulted in casualties, caused damage to infrastructure, and disrupted global markets and aviation.