Earlier this year, the same criminal group attacked five priests and two nuns.
The Haitian gang “400 Mavoso”, known for its daring kidnappings and killings, is responsible for the abduction of missionaries in Haiti, world agencies reported.
The group of 17 abductees includes 5 men, 7 women and 5 children, according to the US-based Christian Age organization. One of the abductees is a Canadian citizen, 16 are Americans. They went to visit an orphanage.
Earlier this year, the same gang abducted five priests and two nuns, the Associated Press reported. The group involved in kidnappings, car thefts and racketeering controls the Croix-de-Bouquet area, according to authorities.
The number of kidnappings carried out by gangs has risen sharply after declining in recent months, following the assassination of President Jovennel Mois and the devastating earthquake in August that killed more than 2,200 people.
In the first eight months of the year, at least 328 abductions took place in the country.
The abduction of missionaries and their families is facing a new crisis in the Haitian government.
