Two of 17 missionaries kidnapped by the 400 Mawozo gang in Haiti more than a month ago are freed and 'in good spirits': Gang are still threatening to kill the other hostages if $1million ransom per person is not met
wo of 17 members of a missionary group who were kidnapped more than a month ago have been freed in Haiti and are safe, 'in good spirits and being cared for,' their Ohio-based church organization 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.
'We have learned that two of the hostages in Haiti were released. We praise God for this! Only limited information can be provided, but we are able to report that the two hostages who were released are safe, in good spirits and being cared for,' the group said in a statement.
'While we rejoice at this release, our hearts are with the 15 people who are still being held,' the group's statement added.
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, including an 8-month-old. 15 of the missionaries are still being held by the Haitian gang, according to authorities.
A manager at the Christian Aid Ministries headquarters, left, speaks with a worker at the door of the center in Titanyen, north of Port-au-Prince, Haiti on Sunday
The missionaries were seized while traveling along the road from Ganthier to Croix-des-Bouquets, which is known to be under the control of the 400 Mawozo gang (pictured)
Pictured: members of the 400 Mawozo gang, who is responsible for abducting the 17 missionaries in Haiti last month
Their Haitian driver also was abducted, according to a local human rights organization.
'We encourage you to continue to pray for the full resolution of this situation,' the group said of the remaining hostages.
'While we rejoice at this release, our hearts are with the fifteen people who are still being held. Continue to lift up the remaining hostages before the Lord.'
The leader of the 400 Mawozo gang, Wilson Joseph, has threatened to kill the hostages unless his 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.
In recent months, the gang has targeted clergy members and other Christian worshipers. This past April, they abducted 10 people including five priests and two nuns - among them two French citizens
The spokesman for Haiti's National Police, Gary Desrosiers, confirmed to The Associated Press that two hostages were released on Sunday.
In recent months, the 400 Mawozo gang, pictured has targeted clergy members and Christian worshipers. This past April, they abducted 10 people including five priests and two nuns
The FBI, which is helping Haitian authorities recover the captives, declined to comment.
The release comes as Haiti struggles with a spike in gang-related violence and kidnappings, with the US government recently urging US citizens to leave Haiti amid deepening insecurity and a severe lack of fuel blamed on gangs blocking gas distribution terminals.
On Friday, Canada announced it was pulling all but essential personnel from its embassy.
The fuel shortage has forced hospitals to turn away patients and paralyzed public transportation, with some schools closing and businesses shortening their work hours.
Haiti also is trying to recover from the July 7 assassination of President Jovenel Moise and a 7.2 magnitude earthquake that struck in mid-August, killing more than 2,200 people and destroying tens of thousands of homes.
Pictured: a sign outside Christian Aid Ministries in Titanyen, Haiti, which had 17 of their members kidnapped by the 400 Mawozo gang, two of which were recently released
Pictured: Wilson Joseph, leader of the 400 Mawozo, said of the April abduction that the French nationals are the most important hostages: 'If Haiti is like this, it's because of the French'
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