US missionaries say two of 17 hostages released
Two of 17 members of a missionary group abducted in Haiti have been freed and are safe, their church organisation in the US said.
Christian Aid Ministries said it could not give the names of those released, why they were freed or other information.
It said they are “in good spirits and being cared for”.
“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 has threatened to kill the hostages unless the gang’s demands are met.
Authorities 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.