A security expert who had recently become chief of staff to the new defense minister was abducted, the latest example of violence gripping the country.

The journalist, Shelly Kittleson, was abducted by a militia allied with Iran and held for a week. Iraqi officials say she was freed in exchange for the release of militia members.

The country has one of the most feared armed forces in Africa, yet within its own borders, it has repeatedly failed to stop abductions and attacks.