17 US missionaries, family members kidnapped in Haiti's Port-au-Prince: Reports

Haitian security officials informed that a gang kidnapped 17 American Christian missionaries and ir family members, including children, on Saturday, as y were leaving an orphan in Port-au-Prince, New York Times reported. specifics of kidnapping remained unkwn, but local officials said that missionaries were kidnapped from a bus that was on its way to airport to drop off some members of group before continuing to ar destination in Haiti.

For years, Haiti has been in a state of political unrest, and kidnappings of both rich and poor people are a common occurrence, according to local media. However, even in a country accustomed to extensive lawlessness, abduction of such a big group of Americans have stunned officials.  capital, Port-au-Prince, is seeing an increase in violence. According to some estimates, gangs currently control almost half of city. On Monday, gangs opened fire on a school bus in Port-au-Prince, injuring at least five persons, including students, while ar public vehicle was hijacked.

US missionaries, families abducted in Haiti

With victims from all social groups and ransoms ranging from $100 to six figures, Haiti currently has unfortunate title of having highest per capita kidnapping rate on planet, Washington Post reported. So far this year, recorded kidnappings have increased sixfold over same period last year. According to consulting firm Control Risks, Port-au-Prince has h more kidnappings this year than much larger cities of Bogotá, Mexico City, and So Paulo combined.

It should be mentioned that Haiti has been reeling under political crisis for past two years after protests demanding removal of former president Jovenel Mose's crippled socio-ecomic activity in country.  political turbulence in country worsened after Mose was slain at his house in July, a murder that remains unsolved.

few remaining authorities in country quickly began fighting for control of government, and factionalism has lasted for months, with officials accusing one ar of being involved in plot to assassinate president, New York Times reported.

tably, kidnapping of American missionaries occurred just a day after United Nations Security Council unanimously extended its mission in Haiti for ar nine months on Friday. Many Haitians have called for United States to send soldiers to help calm situation, but Biden ministration has been hesitant to put troops on ground.

Parts of Haiti's capital, especially locations of kidnappings, are so perilous that many citizens have fled, leaving once-bustling streets practically deserted. Many of streets have been taken over by gangs, with few pedestrians rarely venturing out even during day.

(Im: AP)