Christian Aid Ministries confirm release of two out of 17 abducted missionaries in Haiti

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 has announced.

Christian Aid Ministries issued a statement on Sunday 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 16 October. There are five children in the group of 16 US citizens and one Canadian. Their Haitian driver was also 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 $1m per person, although it wasn’t immediately clear that included the children in the group.

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 it was pulling all but essential personnel from its embassy.