Workers killed in Yemen
On June 14th a group of nine foreigners was kidnapped in northern Yemen. This group consisted of seven Germans, one Briton, and a South Korean. Three of the group were children. On June 15th various reports were received about the fate of the hostages. It is believed that three of the group have been killed, although there are reports that more have also been killed.
The kidnapping of foreigners in Yemen is relatively commonplace, but in most previous instances the hostages, usually captured for political reasons by Yemeni rebels, have been released without harm. There are reports that this latest kidnapping may have been carried out by al-Qaeda in Yemen. It is shocking and disturbing that these foreigners have been treated so brutally.
Please pray for the families of those kidnapped and for the victims themselves, and pray that this incident will not prevent other aid workers from serving in Yemen. It is possible that the Korean government will ban their people from working in Yemen which would have a huge impact on the work of aid agencies in the country. Pray for peace of mind and courage for other workers in Yemen, and pray that somehow God would be glorified through this tragedy.
We have received the following personal update from someone in the country:
“Some of you may have heard that a group of people had been kidnapped in the north of the country yesterday. They were working in a hospital in Sada'a.
“We have just heard today that at least three bodies have been found with unconfirmed reports that more have also been found. There was one German family and the Dutch embassy have said that two children have been found unharmed. Otherwise it seems that the others were shot.
“This has come as a huge shock and will affect so many people working in this country. Please pray that we would remain looking to God for everything that we need. We trust that He is Sovereign and know that it's true even when things happen which we can't understand. Pray that we would react in the right way and that we would be a witness to those around us to bring glory to His name”.