Baghdad: Iraqi security forces arrested a suspect linked to the kidnapping of a foreign journalist in central Baghdad on Tuesday, the Iraqi Interior Ministry said in a statement.
The ministry said the security forces launched an operation following the abduction based on intelligence reports.
The pursuit led to the interception of the kidnappers' vehicle, which overturned during their escape, it said, adding security forces arrested one suspect and seized a vehicle used in the crime.
Efforts are ongoing to track down the remaining kidnappers, rescue the hostage, and take all necessary legal measures against those involved, the ministry said.
Meanwhile, a source within the Interior Ministry, speaking to Xinhua on condition of anonymity, identified the journalist as a female American national, noting that she was abducted near the Palestine Hotel in central Baghdad.
The incident follows a recent U.S. embassy security advisory urging American citizens to leave Iraq immediately due to potential threats by armed groups.
The incident came amid heightened tensions following joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran starting Feb. 28, to which Iran and its regional allies responded with attacks on Israeli and U.S. interests across the Middle
