Japanese engineer kidnap in Yemen

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A Japanese engineer has been kidnapped by armed tribesmen in Yemen, local officials have reported.

The man was taken from the town of Arhab about 60km (37 miles) north-east of the capital, Sanaa, an official told the Reuters news agency.

"Negotiations have started through mediators to seek the release of the man," the official told Reuters.

Kidnapping of foreigners is common in Yemen, where the captors often seek a ransom or concessions from government.

Reports suggest that the abductors may want the release of relatives that are held in Yemeni jails.

Analysts say most foreigners abducted by tribesmen in Yemen are released unharmed, but in July three women from a party of nine kidnapped foreigners were found dead.

Yemen is one of the poorest countries in the region and is facing growing instability.

In the north of the country, the government is fighting Houthi rebels, a conflict that has grown in intensity since August 2009 and has drawn in neighbouring Saudi Arabia.

It is also facing a secessionist movement in the south and an increased presence of al-Qaeda.