World

Yemen: Americans Released

October 28, 1999 / 7:42 AM EDT / AP

An American teacher and her parents were released early Thursday after tribesmen kidnapped them in Yemen.

Marta Colburn and her parents, Don and Gladys Colburn, of Portland, Ore., were on their way to the capital, San`a, from the northern province of Marib where they were kidnapped Tuesday, officials said.

They said the Colburns were freed following intensive negotiations by authorities with the kidnappers.

The officials said the Colburns were in good health but gave no other details. The U.S. Embassy in San`a confirmed the release and thanked the Yemenis. Â"The Yemeni government did a very good job,Â" said Chris Eccel, a press officer at the embassy.

Marta Colburn teaches at the American Institute for Yemeni Studies in San`a and was formerly deputy director of Middle East studies at Portland State University. Her parents were visiting her when they were kidnapped.

Yemeni officials said Wednesday the kidnappers were demanding the release of 25 jailed tribesmen. It was not clear if their demands were met.

Yemeni tribesmen often kidnap foreigners to pressure the government into providing money or better services, such as new roads, for their impoverished areas. The kidnappers usually treat the hostages as guests and release them unharmed.