19 kidnapped Western and Egyptian nationals released unharmed

Egyptian officials confirmed on 29 September 2008 that 19 kidnapped Western and Egyptian nationals have been released unharmed. The Western tourists and their Egyptian tour guides and security escorts were kidnapped on 19 September while visiting a remote attraction near the Libyan and Sudanese borders. Following the abduction, the group was reportedly transported across the border to Sudan, and possibly Libya for a short time. The abduction is believed to have been criminally motivated and not terrorism-related; the kidnappers demanded a ransom in exchange for the group's release, but Egyptian officials have provided no details regarding the release, including whether a ransom was paid. At this time, no further information is available. Kidnappings are very uncommon in Egypt, which has experienced militant attacks targeting foreign tourists in the past. Despite this recent incident, the overall threat level for Egypt remains unchanged. The abductions took place in a very remote area, where security presence is virtually non-existent and criminal and smuggling activities are common