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US missionaries say 2 of 17 abductees freed in Haiti

Published:Sunday | November 21, 2021 | 5:32 PM
This October 21, 2021, photo shows a sign outside Christian Aid Ministries in Titanyen, Haiti, which had 17 of its members kidnapped by the 400 Mawozo Gang. 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 Ohio-based church organization, Christian Aid Ministries, announced Sunday, November 21, 2021. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix, File)

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — 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 Ohio-based church organisation announced Sunday.

Christian Aid Ministries issued a statement saying 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 per person, although it wasn't immediately clear that included the children in the group.

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

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

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