US missionaries say two of 17 abducted are freed in Haiti

Christian Aid organisation says ‘hearts are with the 15 people still being held’ by 400 Mawozo gang

Inhabitants walk in an area of Croix-des-Bouquets in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, 16 November 2021. EPA
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Two of 17 abducted members of a missionary group have been freed in Haiti and are safe, “in good spirits and being cared for", their church organisation in Ohio announced on Sunday.

Christian Aid Ministries said it could not give the names of those released, why they were freed or other information.

“While we rejoice at this release, our hearts are with the 15 people who are still being held,” the group said.

The missionaries were kidnapped by the 400 Mawozo gang on October 16. There are five children in the group of 16 US citizens and one Canadian. Their Haitian driver also was abducted.

The leader of 400 Mawozo gang has threatened to kill the hostages unless the gang’s demands are met.

Authorities have said the gang was demanding $1 million for each person, although it was not immediately clear whether that included the children.

The US government has urged its citizens to leave Haiti because of the country’s deepening insecurity and the severe lack of fuel.

Canada announced on Friday that it was pulling all but essential personnel from its embassy.

Updated: November 22, 2021, 3:17 PM