SANAA, Jan. 1 (Xinhuanet) -- Three women among five Italians kidnapped by Yemeni tribesmen were released on Sunday, security officials said.

   The tribesmen kidnapped the five Italians earlier in the day to seek release of fellow tribe members.

   The five were kidnapped in the eastern province of Maarib, about 170 km east of the capital. The kidnappers demanded that eight people held on criminal charges be freed.

   Negotiations were underway to secure release of the remaining two, security officials said.

   On Saturday, five German tourists, including a former senior diplomat, were released after three days of kidnapping.

   The five Germans, members of one family, were freed unharmed around Saturday noon along with three Yemeni drivers who were abducted together with the Germans by armed tribesmen.

   Yemeni armed tribesmen often snatch foreign tourists to pressure the government to release jailed relatives. The hostages were usually set free unhurt after negotiation between authorities and kidnappers. Enditem