Princeton Student Elizabeth Tsurkov Released After 900 Days Captivity Iraq

Elizabeth Tsurkov, an Israeli-Russian Princeton doctoral student kidnapped in Baghdad in 2023 by the Iranian-backed militia Kata’ib Hezbollah, was released after more than 900 days in captivity and is now safely at the U.S. Embassy in Iraq. President Donald Trump announced her release, highlighting the efforts of his administration and special envoy Adam Boehler, and called for the release of other hostages held by groups like Hamas. The release came following negotiations rather than a military operation, with conditions reportedly including the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq and assurances against military strikes. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani credited Iraqi security services for the successful outcome and emphasized the rule of law in Iraq. Tsurkov's family expressed profound relief and gratitude to the Trump administration, the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, and advocacy groups, while Princeton University welcomed her return and thanked those involved in securing her release. Kata’ib Hezbollah did not publicly claim responsibility for the kidnapping but indicated the release was to avoid conflict and facilitate the U.S. troop withdrawal from Iraq.