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German diplomat 'injured in Yemen kidnapping attempt' | |
(about 2 hours later) | |
A German diplomat has been injured in a suspected kidnapping attempt in Yemen's capital, Sanaa, security officials say. | A German diplomat has been injured in a suspected kidnapping attempt in Yemen's capital, Sanaa, security officials say. |
Gunmen tried to force a vehicle carrying the diplomat and a colleague to stop in the southern district of Hadda, home to many embassies. | Gunmen tried to force a vehicle carrying the diplomat and a colleague to stop in the southern district of Hadda, home to many embassies. |
When the diplomats refused and fled from the scene, the gunmen opened fire. | When the diplomats refused and fled from the scene, the gunmen opened fire. |
The identity of the assailants was not known, but kidnappings of foreigners by armed tribesmen and militants linked to al-Qaeda are common in Yemen. | The identity of the assailants was not known, but kidnappings of foreigners by armed tribesmen and militants linked to al-Qaeda are common in Yemen. |
The German foreign ministry confirmed that a 4x4 vehicle belonging to its embassy in Sanaa had come under fire. | |
"The passengers are currently safe," a spokesman told the AFP news agency, declining to say whether anyone was injured. | |
"The ministry of foreign affairs and the embassy in Sanaa are in close contact with concerned Yemeni authorities to attempt to solve the matter diligently," he added. | |
Last month, two UN employees were seized in Hadda, but freed by security forces hours later. In February, a Czech doctor, a German and two other Europeans were also seized. | Last month, two UN employees were seized in Hadda, but freed by security forces hours later. In February, a Czech doctor, a German and two other Europeans were also seized. |
Most people kidnapped by tribesmen are freed unharmed after short periods of captivity, but those held by militants face a more uncertain fate. | Most people kidnapped by tribesmen are freed unharmed after short periods of captivity, but those held by militants face a more uncertain fate. |
Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) has been holding a South African teacher since May 2013. The jihadist group is also still holding a Saudi deputy consul kidnapped in 2012. | Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) has been holding a South African teacher since May 2013. The jihadist group is also still holding a Saudi deputy consul kidnapped in 2012. |
An Iranian embassy employee also remains in captivity after being abducted by suspected al-Qaeda militants last July. | An Iranian embassy employee also remains in captivity after being abducted by suspected al-Qaeda militants last July. |
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