Abducted Israeli-Russian researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov freed in Iraq

September 9, 2025

Elizabeth Tsurkov, an Israeli-Russian researcher who disappeared during a research trip to Iraq in March 2023, has been freed after being held captive by Kataib Hezbollah for many months. US President Donald Trump announced her release on Truth Social, stating she was now safely in the American embassy in Iraq after enduring torture during her captivity. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani confirmed the release, crediting Iraqi security services for extensive efforts that culminated in locating where Tsurkov was being held.

Who is affected

Elizabeth Tsurkov (Israeli-Russian researcher and Princeton student)
Tsurkov's sister (identified as an American citizen)
Kataib Hezbollah (Iran-backed Iraqi Shia militia that held Tsurkov)
Iraqi security services
US embassy in Iraq

What action is being taken

Iraqi security services are currently transferring Tsurkov to the US embassy after locating where she was being held
US President Trump is announcing her release and calling for Hamas to release hostages
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani is confirming the release and highlighting security services' efforts

Why it matters

The release resolves a prolonged hostage situation involving a multinational academic researcher
It demonstrates a significant security operation by Iraqi forces against Kataib Hezbollah, a powerful Iran-backed militia designated as a terrorist organization by the US in 2009
The case highlights dangers faced by researchers working in politically complex regions
It represents a resolution to a high-profile captivity case that had drawn attention from multiple governments including the US, Israel, and Iraq

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC