Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced on Wednesday that an Israeli-Russian academic researcher who went missing in Iraq months ago is alive and being held there by the Shiite group Kata'ib Hezbollah. Kata'ib Hezbollah is one of the most powerful Iran-backed militia groups in Iraq. Israeli citizens have been warned against traveling to Iraq, which is considered an enemy country by Tel Aviv. The statement from Netanyahu's office identified the woman as Elizabeth Tsurkov, who reportedly traveled to Iraq for research purposes on behalf of Princeton University in the United States. The statement noted that Tsurkov entered Iraq with her Russian passport. It stated: 'Elizabeth Tsurkov is still alive, and we hold Iraq responsible for her fate.' Michael Knights, a military affairs expert on Iraq at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, had previously stated about Kata'ib Hezbollah: 'Kata'ib Hezbollah can shoot Iraqi police on the streets of Baghdad and kill them, refusing to surrender killers to the Iraqi judiciary. Kata'ib Hezbollah can threaten ministers, take control of civilian airports in Iraq, and no one stands against them.'
Israel Holds Iran-Linked Militias Responsible for Kidnapping an Academic Researcher in Iraq
Israel has confirmed that Elizabeth Tsurkov, an Israeli-Russian academic, is alive and being held by the Iran-backed militia Kata'ib Hezbollah in Iraq. This incident raises concerns about the safety of foreign nationals in Iraq and highlights the influence of Iranian-supported groups in the region.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Elizabeth Tsurkov, an Israeli-Russian academic, has been confirmed alive and is being held by the Iran-backed militia Kata'ib Hezbollah in Iraq. This situation underscores the dangers for foreign nationals in Iraq and the power of Iranian-supported groups.
- Elizabeth Tsurkov traveled to Iraq using her Russian passport.
- Kata'ib Hezbollah is known for its significant influence and ability to operate with impunity in Iraq.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Kata'ib Hezbollah is one of several Iran-backed militias in Iraq, often involved in regional power struggles and conflicts.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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