On Wednesday, November 23rd, the French aid worker of the Red Cross kidnapped on November 22nd has been released along with her two Yemeni colleagues. Kidnappers asked in exchange for her liberation, the release of four members of the “Southern Movement” (a separatist group fighting for the independence of southern Yemen) held prisoners by authorities. Further abductions targeting western nationals 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 against President Saleh. 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.
