Japanese hostages released in Yemen

CAIRO--Two female Japanese tourists abducted in Marib, Yemen, were released early Thursday after a reported gunfight and about eight hours in captivity, Japanese Embassy officials in Yemen said.

The two women, identified as Keiko Mishima, a 41-year-old from Tokyo's Suginami Ward, and Shizuko Endo, 44, from Fukuoka, were not hurt in the ordeal and had returned to their hotel in Marib, the officials said.

The women said their abductors, believed to be local tribesmen, had assured them that they would not be hurt, the Japanese officials said.

The tribesmen were demanding the Yemeni government release a jailed tribe member.

Negotiations had been held between the perpetrators and the Yemeni government via tribal leaders, but it was not clear if the government met the demand.

The two women on Wednesday were visiting historical sites around Marib, about 180 kilometers east of the capital Sanaa, as part of a five-member tourist group when their car was attacked by several armed men.

According to AFP, a police officer was injured after security officers exchanged gunfire with the perpetrators at a checkpoint.

Representatives of the hotel where the women were staying told local officials Wednesday evening that the two had not returned.

Tribal leaders told AFP after the women were abducted that the kidnappers would release the hostages within an hour, indicating that progress had been made in the talks.

Many abductions of foreign nationals have been committed by local tribesmen in Yemen over the past decade or so as they press for improvements in education, infrastructure and other issues.

In most cases, the hostages were released unharmed.

Before the incident, the Foreign Ministry urged Japanese traveling to Yemen to avoid Marib and other areas following a series of terrorist attacks and abductions.

The 10-day tour the two women participated in was arranged by Tokyo travel agency Air Crystal Co.

Air Crystal said it did not tell tour members about the ministry's advisory.(IHT/Asahi: May 9,2008)