Kidnapping

Fmr. Iranian FM calls on Tehran to kidnap thousands of US soldiers from military bases

Former foreign minister Manouchehr Mottaki said that Iran should launch a ground war, seize a US base in the Middle East, kidnap its forces, and take them hostage in Iran, as retaliation for strikes.

US Marines raise the flag at the US Embassy in Kuwait, June 24, 2026; illustrative.
Investigators return to Neve Daniel with the 16-year-old Palestinian suspect, who admitted to entering the town with the goal of becoming a "martyr."

Police arrest Palestinian teen who admitted to plan to stab IDF soldier, die as 'martyr'

Media personnel are seen through a damaged glass window at a prison facility in the Malir district of Karachi on June 3, 2025.

Pakistani FM's relative arrested on alleged kidnapping, rape, extortion charges

Kidnapping attempt in Petah Tikva

WATCH: Bystanders rescue 11-year-old girl from kidnapping attempt in central Israel


Dozens kidnapped in northwest Nigeria after bandits invite them to talks

According to police statements, the victims were meeting relatives of a bandit leader in an attempt to broker peace and ease restrictions on movement imposed on the community.

An empty street in the Esinle community, where pupils and teachers were abducted in a large-scale school attack, in Oyo State, Nigeria, June 2, 2026.

Nigerian forces rescue hundreds of abductees held by Boko Haram

The rescue operation was carried out by a joint task force that includes special forces, who forced JAS fighters to abandon their positions, the military said.

A woman rescued from Boko Haram in Sambisa forest celebrates her freedom from Boko Haram at Malkohi camp for Internally Displaced People in Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria

Hamas leadership calls for kidnapping of IDF soldiers following death penalty law passing - report

In a document, Hamas described the proposed legislation as a “fascist law,” and urged members of the organization’s military wing to escalate and carry out “active operations.”

Gunmen stand guard at the funeral of Marwan Issa, a senior Hamas deputy military commander who was killed in an Israeli airstrike during the conflict between Israel and Hamas, amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, in the central Gaza Strip, February 7, 2025.

Iraq’s militia state: Shelly Kittleson’s kidnapping exposes who runs Baghdad

BEHIND THE LINES: Since October 2023, forces associated with the PMF – that is, affiliated with the government of Iraq – engaged in ongoing attacks against US personnel and positions.

US JOURNALIST Shelly Kittleson is pictured in Baghdad on March 31, shortly before she was abducted. Her disappearance has focused attention on the threat posed by Iran-backed militias and the deteriorating security environment in postwar Iraq.

Hamas urges Hezbollah to kidnap Israeli soldiers in wake of Knesset passing death penalty bill

Abu Ubaida, a Hamas spokesperson for the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, addressed his message to the Hezbollah terrorist organization, whom he referred to as "the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon."

Hamas terrorists look on as they escort members of the Red Cross towards an area within the so-called "yellow line" to which Israeli troops withdrew under the ceasefire in Gaza City November 12, 2025.

Foreign journalist holding US passport kidnapped in Baghdad by unknown parties, police say

One suspect had been arrested, the ministry said, adding that efforts were ongoing to free the journalist.

 Shelly Kittleson with an Afghani interview subject in 2024.

'We are in agony:' Savannah Guthrie speaks in first interview since Nancy Guthrie's disappearance

The Guthrie family is still searching for their mother, two months after her disappearance.

 A sign reads stands amid yellow flowers left at the house of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of US journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, who went missing from her home on February 1, in Tucson, Arizona, February 21, 2026.

UN probe: Syrian minorities face kidnappings, rape, and arbitrary detention

A UN report reveals that Syria's new government has failed to stop human rights abuses, including abductions, sexual violence, and arbitrary detentions, despite efforts for accountability.

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa attends the Ministry of Awqaf conference titled "Unity of Islamic Discourse" at the Conference Palace in Damascus, Syria, February 16, 2026.

Details emerge on killing of father of 8-year-old Pakistani cricket player, Aina Wazir

Omar Wazir was a schoolteacher and also ran a travel agency. In a related incident, Aina Wazir's cameraman was kidnapped but later released.

Pakistan's national flag.

Two years on: Missing young girl Haymanut Kasau still not found

Kasau, nine at the time, has been missing since February 25, 2024. Urging further action, her parents have repeatedly said that not nearly enough has been done to find their daughter.

A poster of nine-year-old Haymanut Kasau, who has been missing since 2023, seen on December 18, 2025