A French woman and two Yemenis, all working for the Red Cross, have been abducted by unidentified gunmen on Tuesday, November 22nd. The abduction took place in the town of Msaimeer, located in the southern province of Lahij. Authorities believe that activists of the “Southern Movement”, a separatist group fighting for the independence of the south, might be responsible for the kidnapping. Abductors are asking for the release of a group member held prisoner by authorities. Further kidnappings targeting western citizens cannot be excluded.
The kidnapping risk in Yemen is extremely high. Last week, three French aid workers were released after being held hostage in the country for more than five months. Over the past 15 years, some 200 foreigners have been abducted countrywide by different tribal groups. The current political and social situation in Yemen is tense due to the social upheaval asking President Saleh to step down. The country’s security is no guaranteed as violence could erupt at any moment.
Travellers must be aware that several western embassies advise their citizens against all travel to Yemen and ask those currently in the country to leave as soon as possible by commercial means.
