On 14/12/2008, three German nationals were abducted by armed Yemeni tribesmen in the outskirts of Sanaa. One of the hostages is a United Nations employee who was on an excursion with her visiting parents. The Yemeni government has established contact with the tribe to secure their release. The German foreign ministry confirmed the three are missing and is in contact with Yemeni authorities. The motive is believed to be a land dispute between tribes. The hostages are presumed to be held by the tribe.