Kidnappings in Haiti are big business for gangs 2:46
(CNN) ––
The 12 missionaries who had been kidnapped for two months by an armed gang on the outskirts of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, were released.
This was reported by the country's Minister of Justice.
A source in the Haitian security forces says the hostages were released around 5 am in the Morne Cabrit neighborhood.
And he added that they were found by locals, who alerted the authorities.
Two missionaries kidnapped in mass kidnapping in Haiti released
Seventeen missionaries from Christian Aid Ministries, including 16 Americans and one Canadian, were abducted by gunmen on October 16 while driving through the Croix des Bouquets suburb.
The group had returned from visiting an orphanage and was heading back to their base of operations.
Gang members said the person responsible for the kidnappings, 400 Mawozo, initially demanded a ransom of US $ 1 million per hostage, according to Haiti's then-justice minister.
Haiti Gang Demands $ 17 Million Ransom For Kidnapped Missionaries, Reportedly
The circumstances surrounding the release were not immediately clear, including whether any ransom had been paid.
Two of the 17 hostages were released by the gang on November 21.
Two weeks later, three more hostages were released, followed by the remaining 12 this morning.
advertising
The organization Christian Aid Ministries issued a statement applauding the release of the 12 hostages.
"We glorify God for the answer to our prayers. The remaining twelve hostages are FREE! Join us in praising God that all 17 of our loved ones are now safe. Thank you for your fervent prayers over the past two months." wrote.
Missionaries kidnapping
