Almotamar.net - An official source at he Yemeni Ministry of Tourism announced Thursday that the two female Japanese tourists kidnapped in Yemen's Marib province Wednesday were freed, pointing out that they were on their way to Sana’a
The Minister of Tourism, who is chairman of the ministry’s emergency unit Nabil Hassan al-Faqieh, confirmed that the two women were freed just hours after they were kidnapped in Marib Wednesday.
The Minister clarified that the release of the two female Japanese tourists was the result of security authorities efforts and people from Marib governorate. He pointed out the two tourists were seized while returning from a tourist visit to an historical site, affirming that the tourist emergency unit held an emergency meeting and immediately began contacts and coordination with all concerned parties to secure safety of the two tourists and their release. .
The two Japanese were part of a larger group of tourists, but were a little bit away from the others, which enabled the assailants to pick them as targets.
The Minister confirmed that the incident would not affect the tourist movement in Yemen and said tourist groups are continuing their tourist programmes al over the country. He pointed out the Ministry’s keenness on securing safety of tourism and offering necessary facilities to all foreigners resident in Yemen and those coming to it as tourists.