PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — A non secular group based mostly in Ohio introduced Monday {that a} violent gang in Haiti has launched three extra hostages, whereas one other 12 stay kidnapped.
The assertion from Christian Support Ministries stated the folks have been launched on Sunday in Haiti and are “secure and appear to be in good spirits.” The group offered no additional particulars.
On Nov. 21, the non secular group introduced that the 400 Mawozo gang had launched the primary two hostages of a gaggle of 17 kidnapped in mid-October. There are 12 adults and 5 kids within the group of 16 U.S. residents and one Canadian, together with an 8-month-old.
READ: U.S. missionaries say 2 of 17 abductees freed in Haiti
The chief of the 400 Mawozo gang has threatened to kill the hostages except his calls for are met. Authorities have stated the gang was looking for $1 million per particular person, though it wasn’t instantly clear that included the kids within the group.
“We’re grateful to God that three extra hostages have been launched final evening,” stated the assertion from Christian Support Ministries, an Anabaptist missions group based mostly in Berlin, Ohio. “As with the earlier launch, we aren’t in a position to present the names of the folks launched, the circumstances of the discharge, or another particulars.”
The group reiterated its request for supporters to commit Monday via Wednesday as days of prayer and fasting “to intercede for individuals who are nonetheless being held in addition to those that have been launched.”
The discharge comes amid an ongoing spike in kidnappings within the capital of Port-au-Prince and elsewhere in Haiti, which is struggling to recuperate from the July 7 presidential assassination, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake that struck in mid-August and a extreme gas scarcity.
On Sunday, a gang chief referred to as “Ti Lapli” posted a YouTube video warning folks to not cross in upcoming days via the Martissant group, which has been the positioning of violent clashes between warring gangs.
“Insecurity has elevated,” the gang chief stated. “I invite the folks of Martissant to top off on meals and gasoline. The subsequent few days can be troublesome… We is not going to stay with our arms crossed in face of those that attempt to destroy us.”
