Haiti: Gang threatens to kill American hostages if ransom not paid

The leader of the Haitian gang suspected of abducting 17 members of a missionary group from the United States threatened to kill the hostages if its demands were not met.

Leader of the 400 Mawozo gangs Wilson Joseph, posted the warning in a video on social media on Thursday.

"I swear by thunder that if I do not get what I ask, I will place a bullet in the heads of these Americans," Joseph stated in the video.

Haitian officials had earlier stated the gang was demanding $ 1 million in costs per person to free the hostages.

The gang leader also threatened Prime Minister Ariel Henry and National Police Chief Leon Charles for killing his gang members.

"You guys make me cry. I cry water. But I want to make you people cry blood," the gang leader stated.

Thousands of people continue their protests in Port-au-Prince against the deteriorating security conditions in the country. Numerous workers associated with different sectors also held a strike on October 19 to join the demonstrations.

"The concern now, especially after this video has been released, is that tensions continue to escalate; there is a fear that violence on the streets could be exacerbated," Rapalo stated.

On October 16, seventeen foreigners were captured in Port-au-Prince after they left an orphanage. As per reports, sixteen people are American while one is Canadian. The hostages include five children and an eight-month-old infant.

The Christian Aid Ministries, the missionary group from Ohio whose members were abducted, observed a day of fasting and prayers for the victims on Thursday. They urged people to pray for the abducted as well as for the kidnappers.

"Pray that they will get the love of Jesus and turn to him, and we see this as their ultimate need," said Weston Showalter, a spokesman for the group.

"We also ask for prayer for heads of government and authorities as they deal with the case and work to release the hostages."