Baghdad, Iraq – Authorities in Iraq are intensifying efforts to locate Elizabeth Tsurkov, an Israeli-Russian academic who was kidnapped almost two years ago in Baghdad. Tsurkov, a Princeton University doctoral student and fellow at the New Lines Institute for Strategy and Policy, has been missing since March 2023.
National Security Adviser Qassem al-Araji confirmed on Wednesday that Iraqi authorities are actively investigating her disappearance. He emphasized that the Iraqi government is working under the direction of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to address the situation. The government’s security services have been mobilized to find Tsurkov and identify the group responsible for her abduction.
According to Israeli officials, a pro-Iranian group is believed to be behind the kidnapping. However, no group has publicly claimed responsibility for the abduction, nor have there been any demands for Tsurkov’s release. Al-Araji mentioned that the authorities are working discreetly and through intermediaries to locate her.
Tsurkov, who likely entered Iraq using her Russian passport, had visited the country as part of her academic research. An Iraqi security source revealed that this was not Tsurkov’s first visit to Iraq.
In November 2023, Iraqi television channel Al Rabiaa TV aired a hostage video featuring Tsurkov. The video, which was the first public footage of the academic since her kidnapping, was not independently verified by AFP. In the video, Tsurkov referenced the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, which escalated after the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas militants.
While the Israeli government suspects that Iraq’s Kataeb Hezbollah militia may be involved, the group has denied any involvement in her disappearance. As the search continues, Iraqi officials are determined to resolve the case and ensure Tsurkov’s safe return.
