American Couple Kidnapped in Yemen

An American couple was kidnapped today in Yemen by armed tribesmen who are angling for the release of a jailed relative, say security officials there. The group ambushed their car, also snatching the tourists' driver and translator, reports Reuters, which notes that kidnappings are not a rare occurrence in the country: Hostages are used by tribesman as a bargaining chip when making demands on authorities. Less than a week ago two German girls were rescued after nearly a year in captivity. (More kidnapping stories.)