Release of Abducted Israeli-Russian Researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov Marks a Diplomatic Milestone

Sat Sep 13 2025 09:20:27 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Elizabeth Tsurkov, who was abducted in Iraq, has been freed after enduring months of captivity, with significant assistance from Iraqi security forces and diplomatic channels.

Elizabeth Tsurkov, an Israeli-Russian researcher, has been released after multiple months of captivity in Iraq. The successful operation involved extensive efforts by Iraqi security forces and diplomatic negotiations mediated by the United States. Tsurkov was confirmed to be safe at the American embassy in Iraq following her release from the Iran-backed militia Kataib Hezbollah.

In a significant turn of events, Elizabeth Tsurkov, an Israeli-Russian researcher, has been freed after facing months of torture during her captivity by Kataib Hezbollah in Iraq. The release was confirmed by U.S. President Donald Trump through a post on Truth Social, expressing relief that Tsurkov is now safe at the American embassy in Iraq.

Furthermore, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani acknowledged Tsurkov's release, stating that it was the result of extensive efforts exerted by the country’s security services over several months. He highlighted that the security forces were able to uncover the location where she was being held and successfully transferred her to the U.S. embassy.

Tsurkov had been missing since March 2023 while conducting research in Iraq, and it was later revealed that she was taken hostage by the Iran-backed militia. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had raised the alarm regarding her captivity, urging international efforts for her release.

According to her academic profile, Tsurkov's research focused on the Levant and issues surrounding the Syrian uprising and civil war.

Kataib Hezbollah, a powerful Iraqi Shia militia backed by Iran, was flagged by the U.S. as a terrorist organization in 2009. Trump's announcement also included statements regarding the ongoing crisis involving hostages taken by Hamas during attacks on Israel, reflecting an urgency for broader action on hostage situations.