Swiss citizen kidnapped in Yemen

A Swiss woman has been seized by armed men in Yemen, the Swiss foreign ministry has confirmed.

A Yemeni interior ministry official has said that the kidnappers were demanding that their fellow tribesmen be freed from police custody in return for her release.

The Swiss foreign ministry told the Swiss News Agency that the kidnap took place in the southwestern Red Sea city of Hudaida on Wednesday. The victim is said to be 32-years-old and works in a language school.

First contact with Yemeni authorities took place through the Swiss representation in Sanaa. The aim is for the Swiss woman to be freed in good health, the ministry added.

  

Kidnappings of foreigners by armed tribes occur quite frequently in Yemen, as a way of putting pressure on the authorities over certain demands. Most victims are returned safely afterwards.

Swiss authorities currently warn against travelling to Yemen and have recommended Swiss living there to leave the country.

On Thursday a Swiss couple held captive by the Taliban in Pakistan since July 2011 were freed. Details about the release of the pair remain sketchy. Switzerland said that it had not paid a ransom to secure their release.