17 US Missionaries And Their Families Kidnapped By Armed Gangs In Haiti

JAKARTA - As many as 17 United States Christian missionaries and their family members were kidnapped by gang members in the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince, on Saturday.

The news was reported by the New York Times, citing state security officials.

According to Antara, the missionaries were abducted from the bus to the airport. The bus dropped off several members of the group before continuing on to other destinations in Haiti, the report said.

The surge in mob violence has displaced thousands and hampered economic activity in America's poorest nation.

Violence escalated after the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July and the earthquake in August, which killed more than 2,000 people.

The United States Embassy in Haiti did not respond to a request for comment on the abduction.