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 MEKELE, Ethiopia (AP) - At least a dozen European tourists were kidnapped in remote northeastern Ethiopia, a barren expanse of volcanoes and ancient salt mines where bandits and rebels operate, diplomats and local businessmen said Friday.
The tourists — between seven and 10 French citizens and five Britons — were traveling in four cars when they were seized Thursday in Dalol, 500 miles northeast of Addis Ababa, according to a businessman and a tour operator who work in the area. They asked not to be named because of the sensitivity of the matter.
As required by the Ethiopian government, the groups were traveling in the Afar region with armed guards. The region is not heavily traveled because it is so remote, but the otherworldly landscape draws adventure travelers.
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