Media: Tsourkov released in exchange deal for Iraqi prisoners held in Israel

Israeli-Russian researcher Elizabeth Tsourkov was released from Iraqi Hezbollah captivity in exchange for Iraqi prisoners held in Israel.

According to Al-Jadeed, sources indicate that the deal could potentially include naval captain Emad Amhaz, who was abducted by an Israeli commando operation in Batroun in late 2024, along with five additional detainees, including Iranians.

Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that Tsurkov had been freed by Kataib Hezbollah and was now at the American Embassy in Iraq.

Tsurkov was abducted in Iraq in 2023. On July 5, 2023, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that she was being held by Kataib Hezbollah.

Officials said she had entered Iraq using her Russian passport for academic purposes. According to Israeli broadcaster Kan, Tsurkov is a specialist on Syria and the activities of the terrorist group Islamic State.

Her research focused on comparing the movement of Iraqi Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr’s followers with Lebanese factions.

In July 2023, Saudi television channel Al Hadath reported that Iraqi authorities had opened an investigation into Tsurkov’s kidnapping, considering the case a matter of national security.

By Aghakazim Guliyev