Yemen 'besieging' hostage takers

The prime minister said Yemen was working for a peaceful resolution

Yemen will not negotiate with tribesmen holding five Italians hostage, and has sent soldiers to increase the pressure on them, Yemen's prime minister says.

Troops "are now besieging the captors", said Abdel Kader Bajammal.

Yemeni reports said three women were released but refused to go unless their two male companions were also set free and so remained in captivity.

Sunday's abduction came after five German hostages were freed by tribesmen who held them captive for three days.

"Army and security forces are now completely besieging the captors of the Italian tourists in order to force them to free the hostages," said Mr Bajammal, quoted by AFP news agency.

"We will not negotiate with the hostage-takers, we will not be lenient, and [we will] exercise all kinds of pressure on them for a peaceful release of the hostages," he said.

Bungled rescue

Tourists are often seized by tribal groups in Yemen, who use them as bargaining chips. The hostages have usually been freed after negotiations.

However, four Britons kidnapped in 1998 died when they were used as human shields during a bungled rescue attempt by troops.

The Italians are said to have been taken from their vehicle in the eastern province of Marib, about 170km (105 miles) from the capital Sanaa.

Yemeni officials said the kidnappers are demanding the release of eight people being held on criminal charges.

On Saturday, a former German government minister and his family were freed by tribesmen who were demanding that the Yemeni government free five tribesmen jailed on charges, including murder.

It is not known if the hostage-takers' demands had been met.

Two weeks ago, two Austrian tourists were kidnapped and later freed by Yemeni tribesmen who had been demanding the release of their relatives from prison.

Last month, two Swiss tourists were seized and later released.