A Princeton University doctoral student was kidnapped in Iraq while doing research in the country, according to a statement issued by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.

Elizabeth Tsurkov, 36, was in Iraq doing field research for her dissertation. Tsurkov, an Israeli-Russian dual citizen, is being held by an Iraqi Shia militant group called the Kata’ib Hezbollah.

Tsurkov has been missing in Iraq for several months, according to the statement issued by Netanyahu.

“Elizabeth Tsurkov is still alive and we hold Iraq responsible for her safety and well-being,” reads the statement from Netanyahu’s office.

Tsurkov visited Iraq using her Russian passport, at her own initiative pursuant to work on her doctorate and academic research, according to the statement.

“The matter is being handled by the relevant parties in the State of Israel out of concern for Elizabeth Tsurkov’s security and well-being,” reads the statement.