SANA'A: A Swiss woman was kidnapped in Yemen's western province of Al-Hodeida by tribesmen demanding the release of prisoners held by local authorities. Local news websites reported that Selafia Ibrahardert, 32, was kidnapped in the Seven July district of Al-Hodeida province last Tuesday. The kidnappers called Selafia's friend confirming the kidnapping, saying that she had been taken to Bayhan district of Shabwa province. The Swiss woman was working in the region as a teacher in a language institute. Kidnappings of Western tourists or workers by tribes seeking ransom or concessions from the government have been frequent in Yemen, one of the poorest Arab countries. Most of the hostages have been freed unharmed. BM
