1.   This was the first time foreigners had been abducted by Islamic militants.

2.   This was the first time foreigners have been abducted by Islamic militants in Yemen.

3.   Tribesmen in Yemen frequently abduct foreigners to press the government for development projects in their area or the release of detained tribal members.

4.   This was the first time Islamic extremists had abducted foreigners.

5.   This was the first time Islamic militants in Yemen had abducted foreigners.

6.   Tribesmen abduct foreigners to press the government for development projects in their area or the release of detained tribal members.

7.   Hundreds of soldiers and paramilitary troops backed by helicopters were searching for the four when the fifth foreigner, a German identified as Dirk Haret, was abducted.

8.   During the two attacks, seven foreigners were abducted by the rebels.