Egyptian kidnappers reportedly free 2 American tourists

Two American tourists kidnapped earlier Friday in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula were freed, AFP reported, citing security sources.

The two American women and their local guide were taken by Bedouin gunmen who held up their bus and also stole watches, cell phones and cash. They were held for several hours before being released.

The Americans, who were aged 60 and 65, were heading back from St. Catherine's Monastery, at the foot of Mount Sinai, to the Red Sea resort of Sharm El Sheikh when the ambush occurred, FOX News Channel reported.

Three other tourists in the group were not taken.

Bedouin sources told AFP the kidnappers were demanding the release of relatives held in Egyptian jails. South Sinai security chiefs, in coordination with Bedouin elders, were earlier in talks with the kidnappers to secure the release of the hostages.