Report: Iraq Releases American Hostage After More Than 900 Days

A Princeton University doctoral student who was kidnapped by a militia group in Iraq in 2023 and was held for more than 900 days has been released. 

President Trump announced on Tuesday Elizabeth Tsurkov, an Israeli and Russian citizen whose sister is an American citizen, is now safe at the U.S. Embassy in Iraq after she had been held captive by the Iran-backed, U.S.-designated terrorist group Kata’ib Hezbollah, Trump said in a Truth Social post. 

“I will always fight for JUSTICE, and never give up. HAMAS, RELEASE THE HOSTAGES, NOW!” the president wrote, referring to the terrorist organization Hamas that’s holding 48 hostages, 20 of whom are believed to be alive, who were taken during Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel. 

“My entire family is incredibly happy. We cannot wait to see Elizabeth and give her all the love we have been waiting to share for 903 days,” Tsurkov’s sister Emma said Tuesday in a statement, The Associated Press reported.

In a statement to CBS News on Tuesday, Princeton President Christopher L. Eisgruber said, “The release of Princeton graduate student Elizabeth Tsurkov brings relief and joy to the University community, and we celebrate that she will be reunited with her family.” 

“We thank President Trump for securing Elizabeth’s release. We are also grateful to those who worked tirelessly to bring an end to her terrible ordeal, including her family, friends and advocates,” Eisgruber said.

In addition to her studies at the Ivy League school, Tsurkov was a fellow at the Washington-based think tank New Lines Institute and wrote for New Lines Magazine before her kidnapping.

Notable American Hostage Releases Under Trump

1. Keith Siegel

• An American-Israeli citizen held by Hamas in Gaza for nearly 500 days was released under a cease-fire deal that carried over into Trump’s administration.
• His family and others credited President Trump for exerting pressure in securing his freedom

2. Edan Alexander

• A 21-year-old dual U.S.–Israeli soldier, the last known living American hostage held by Hamas in Gaza, was released after 584 days in captivity.
• His release was a goodwill gesture timed ahead of Trump’s Middle East visit, facilitated by mediators including Qatar and Egypt.
• He was received warmly back in the U.S., including a White House meeting with President Trump and a celebratory return to his hometown in New Jersey.

3. George Glezmann

• A U.S. citizen detained by the Taliban since December 2022 was eventually released following extensive negotiations led by Trump administration envoy Adam Boehler, with support from Qatar.
• He was en route back to the United States at the time of reporting.

4. Marc Fogel

• As highlighted in a White House press release, the American teacher wrongfully detained in a Russian prison was returned home in February 2025, fulfilling Trump’s promise to his elderly mother