Italian embassy staffer kidnapped in Yemen

Sana`a: A staff member at the Italian Embassy in Yemen has been kidnapped by armed men from the capital city of Sana`a, Xinhua reported.

The Italian was taken to an unknown location, said an official from Yemen`s Interior Ministry.

Yemen has long been hit by kidnapping of foreigners by powerful tribesmen and terrorists who seek ransom or the release of their jailed mates.

A French aid worker who was kidnapped by gunmen in the western port city of Hodayda was released earlier this month.

Kidnappers still hold a Swiss woman and a Saudi diplomat, demanding the release of al Qaeda militants.

IANS