The Italian Foreign Ministry stated that a security official at its embassy in the Yemeni capital of Sana'a was kidnapped on Sunday from a street close to the embassy and taken to unknown destination.

We confirm that an Italian citizen working as a security agent at the embassy has been kidnapped, the Italian foreign ministry spokesperson said.

He has not given any further details other than saying that a unit to deal with emergencies has been formed and tasked with coordinating efforts necessary for his release.

Meanwhile, Yemeni security officials confirmed the kidnapping, adding that an investigation was initiated into the incident in order to find out the identity of the kidnappers and where they are hiding the Italian guard.

Kidnappings have greatly increased over the past few years in many parts of Yemen, and with the recent deterioration of security scene, the kidnappers managed to abduct some foreigners from areas located at the heart of the capital Sana'a.

This year, the Saudi Deputy Consulate Abdullah al-Kaledi, a female Swiss teacher, a French aid worker working with the UN, among others, were kidnapped by al-Qaeda terrorist network.

Some of the hostages were released, but most of them still at captivity. No hostage has so far been killed by the kidnappers.