Up to 17 US Missionaries, Families Kidnapped in Haiti

According to US media reports, gang members kidnapped 17 American Christian missionaries and their families, including children, in Haiti's capital of Port-au-Prince on Saturday.

According to the New York Times and CNN, the missionaries were abducted after leaving an orphanage in the crisis-plagued Caribbean country.

According to the Washington Post, an audio recording from Christian Aid Ministries in Ohio said that "men, women, and children" linked with the organisation were being held captive by an armed gang.

The tape was cited as saying, “The mission field director and the American embassy are working to see what can be done.” "Pray for the gang members to repent and put their faith in Jesus Christ."

CNN reported that 14 adults and three minors were among the casualties, citing an anonymous source in Haiti's security forces.

According to CNN, they were on their way to Titanyen after visiting an orphanage in the Croix des Bouquets area. The missionaries were abducted off a bus travelling to the airport to drop off some members of the group before proceeding to another destination in Haiti, according to the New York Times, citing local officials.

The US State Department is aware of the reports, a spokesperson told Reuters but did not offer details. "The welfare and safety of US citizens abroad is one of the highest priorities of the Department of State," the spokesperson said in an email.

The US Embassy in Haiti did not respond to a request for comment outside business hours. A spokeswoman for the Haitian police said she was seeking information on the issue.

Christian Aid Ministries did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

A surge in gang violence has displaced thousands and hampered economic activity in the poorest country in the Americas. Violence spiraled after the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July and an earthquake in August which killed over 2,000 people.