Egypt kidnapper threatens to kill US hostages

BOSTON (KABC) -- A Bedouin tribesman is threatening to kill two Americans who were kidnapped in Egypt if he is arrested.

Jirmy Abu-Masuh, 32, of the Tarbeen tribe, said in an interview that the Americans are being treated well, according to ABC News. He said they've been given tea and a traditional Bedouin meal of lamb, but they won't be released until his uncle, who is in an Egyptian prison, is released as well. His uncle was taken into custody for refusing to pay $100 in a bribe to police officers at a check point.

The kidnap victims, Michel Louis and Lisa Alphonse, were on a religious pilgrimage when they were kidnapped at gunpoint and taken hostage in the Sinai region of Egypt.

Louis is the longtime pastor of a Pentacostal church. Saturday, family members and parishioners at Louis' church prayed for his release. The 61-year-old pastor is a diabetic and his family fears for his health.

The two were captured in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula on the road to Mount Sinai, where Moses is said to have received the 10 commandments.

Friday's abduction was the latest in a series of kidnappings in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula over the past year. Abducted tourists are rarely harmed and usually released within days.

ABC News contributed to this report.

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