Yemen: Gunmen abduct two foreign aid workers in Hadramawt Governorate, March 5

Event

Two of Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders) aid workers were kidnapped in Hadramawt Governorate, March 5. One of the victims is a German national while the other one is Mexican. The incident comes a few weeks after gunmen kidnapped five UN workers in Abyan Governorate Feb. 11. The identity of the assailants remains unclear; no further information is available about the incident.

Context

The threat of kidnapping in Yemen is generally severe. The most common types of abduction in Yemen include kidnap-for-ransom and political abduction. Some victims of kidnap-for-ransom are released unharmed; others face the threat of injury or death and could be held for long periods without any guarantee of safe release.

Advice

If operating in Yemen, maintain regular contact with your diplomatic mission, travel only in a secure convoy, and avoid traveling after dark. Confirm that a thorough communication plan exists to ensure rapid accountability for all personnel operating in the country. Do not discuss schedules and routes publicly. Vary travel routes and times.