For over a decade, Yemeni tribesmen have been kidnapping Westerners in Yemen, later freeing them after receiving ransoms or government promises for basic services such as roads, water or medical clinics. According to the U.S. State Department, Yemen is one of 10 countries where Americans are most at risk for kidnapping and in 1998 alone, Yemeni tribesmen kidnapped and released more than 60 foreign nationals.

Yemen and Neighbors

The Yemeni Government is trying to crack down on this type of banditry and issued a decree in August 1998 implementing severe punishment, including execution, for kidnappers. It also stepped up enforcement of the law on unlicensed weapons in major cities. In addition to kidnappings, Yemeni tribesmen have also blown up U.S.-owned oil pipelines and various government opposition groups have conducted bombings of government targets.

Next: Recent Abductions