US missionary group says three more hostages released in Haiti

Three additional hostages kidnapped by a gang in Haiti have been released, according to the missionary group headquartered in the United States that organised their trip to the Caribbean country, but another 12 remain abducted.

The organisation provided no additional information and stated that it was unable to identify the individuals who were released or provide information about the circumstances surrounding their release.

"We thanked God for the liberation of three more captives last night," Christian Aid Ministries, located in Ohio, said in a statement on Monday. "Those that were released appear to be in high spirits and are secure."

Sixteen Americans and one Canadian, including five children, were kidnapped in Haiti in October after visiting an orphanage.

On November 21, the religious organisation stated that the first two hostages had been released by 400 Mawozo, the abduction gang and one of Haiti's most formidable criminal gangs.

Christian Aid Ministries, an Anabaptist missions organisation, has asked supporters to pray and fast from Monday through Wednesday "to intercede for those who are still being held as well as those who have been released."

The 400 Mawozo gang's commander has threatened to kill the hostages if his demands are not met. Authorities have stated that the gang wants $1 million per individual, though it is unclear whether this includes the youngsters in the group.

The kidnappings spurred protests, bringing attention to Haiti's serious kidnapping problem, which has deteriorated in recent months as a result of the country's economic woes and political turmoil.

Haiti is still reeling from President Jovenel Moise's assassination on July 7, as well as a 7.2-magnitude earthquake in mid-August and a major fuel scarcity.

The Haitian government and police have fought to keep gangs from preventing petroleum delivery stations from opening. Last month, the United States urged its nationals to flee Haiti as the crisis worsened.

On Sunday, a gang boss known as "Ti Lapli" uploaded a YouTube video urging people not to cross through the Martissant neighbourhood, which has seen frequent gang confrontations.

The gang boss stated, "Insecurity has escalated." "I encourage Martissant residents to stock up on food and gasoline. The coming days will be challenging. In the face of those who seek to harm us, we will not remain with our arms crossed."