Investigation Launched into Kidnapping of Israeli-Russian Academic in Iraq

The Iraqi government has launched an official investigation into the suspected kidnapping of Israeli-Russian academic Elizabeth Tsurkov, who has been missing in Baghdad for over three months. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office accused Iraq's Kataeb Hezbollah of holding her, but the pro-Iran armed faction has denied involvement. The government spokesman stated that no official statement will be made until the investigation is completed. Tsurkov, a doctoral student at Princeton University, arrived in Baghdad in December 2022 and has not been active on social media since March 21.