An American journalist has been kidnapped by an armed group in Baghdad, according to Iraqi officials. Shelly Kittleson, a freelance reporter who has worked across the Middle East and Afghanistan, was abducted on Tuesday near her hotel in the Iraqi capital by unidentified men.

Iraq’s interior ministry confirmed that a foreign journalist had been taken and said security forces are pursuing those responsible. Authorities intercepted a vehicle believed to belong to the kidnappers after it overturned during an attempted escape, and one suspect has been arrested. Kittleson’s whereabouts remain unknown.

Kittleson has reported for several international publications and was in Baghdad to cover the impact of the United States and Israeli war on Iran. Kidnappings of journalists in Iraq have occurred in the past and are often linked to militia activity. The incident remains under investigation as efforts continue to locate her.