10 Europeans Kidnapped

Tribesmen abducted 10 European tourists on 14 August in two unconnected incidents in the north and south of the country.

Security implications

The two incidents point to an upsurge in kidnapping and underline earlier warnings to avoid travel to remote areas wherever possible. In the first incident, tribesmen took six Europeans, believed to be Italian or German nationals, as they travelled through Shabwa province on the road to al-Mukalla. The area is largely uninhabited and has been the scene of kidnappings in the past. In the second kidnapping, tribesmen abducted four Italian tourists near Khamir, in Sanaa Province. The town is controlled by local tribes and central government exerts little authority and can offer little security to travellers. The two kidnappings came less than a week after an Italian tourist was held for five days in al-Baydha Province and less than a month after tribesmen held two other European tribesmen near Kholan.

The motive for the two 14 August kidnappings is unknown. In the past tribesmen have taken foreigners hostage either to extract a ransom or more usually as bargaining chips in a dispute with central or local government. Nearly 100 foreigners have been kidnapped in the last four years and to date all have been released unharmed after a short period in captivity. However, though an Italian tourist released on 6 August claimed to have enjoyed the experience, the dangers of abduction should not be underestimated. The kidnappings are carried out by heavily armed, often agitated tribesmen. The government has freed hostages in the past by using tanks and artillery.

The government has repeatedly promised to initiate a security campaign to protect foreigners from kidnap but has yet to make any impact on the situation. Further kidnaps are likely in coming weeks. To minimise the risk of abduction, personnel should not travel to remote areas without an official guide who should have negotiated safe conduct through the area with the tribesmen. If a kidnapping does take place, no resistance should be offered. Foreign business should continue to travel to remote areas by light aircraft or helicopter and ensure that adequate security precautions are in place

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