DUSHANBE, December 25, 2014, Asia-Plus -- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan (MFA) advises Tajik nationals to temporarily refrain from traveling to Yemen due to the tense security situation and hostage taking incidents in that country.  

The Tajik MFA notes that Tajik nationals currently in Yemen should exercise caution and avoid places of mass gathering and leave the country in case of deterioration of the situation there.  

We will recall that Tajik national Gulrukhsor Rofiyeva, 36, who was working as a nurse in Yemen’s Marib province, was kidnapped on October 29.  Gulrukhsor Rofiyeva’s relatives say she was supposed to return to Tajikistan on November 13.

Tribal sources reportedly said the kidnappers are pressing the authorities to release fellow tribesmen held on criminal charges.

Tajikistan''s Foreign Ministry has asked Yemeni authorities to secure the release of Gulrukhsor Rofiyeva. 

It is to be noted that hundreds of foreigners have been abducted in Yemen over the past two decades by tribesmen who use them as bargaining means in disputes with the government.

There are other dozens of Tajik doctors still working in Yemen.