American Couple Kidnapped in Yemen

Husband and wife taken along with driver, translator
By Jane Yager,  Newser Staff
Posted May 24, 2010 5:53 AM CDT
American Couple Kidnapped in Yemen
The husband and wife were taken near the capital city of San'a, pictured here.   (AP Photo)

An American couple was kidnapped today in Yemen by armed tribesmen who are angling for the release of a jailed relative, say security officials there. The group ambushed their car, also snatching the tourists' driver and translator, reports Reuters, which notes that kidnappings are not a rare occurrence in the country: Hostages are used by tribesman as a bargaining chip when making demands on authorities. Less than a week ago two German girls were rescued after nearly a year in captivity. (More kidnapping stories.)

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