CNN reported quoting a source in Haiti's security forces that as many as 17 US missionaries, including 14 adults and three minors, had been abducted when they were traveling by vehicle to Titanyen, north of the capital Port-au-Prince, after visiting an orphanage in the Croix des Bouquets area.

Local authorities said investigation is ongoing and more information as well as developments relating to the incident could be available later.

A one-minute voice message from Ohio-based Christian Aid Ministries, which has direct knowledge of the incident, said “this is a special prayer alert,” adding that “Pray that the gang members would come to repentance.”

A US government spokesperson said they were aware of the reports on the kidnapping, and in touch with the local authorities.

“The welfare and safety of US citizens abroad is one of the highest priorities of the US Department of State,” the spokesperson added without commenting further on the incident.

CNN said the Haitian Justice Ministry and the National Police have not yet commented on the matter.

Haiti has one of the highest rates of kidnapping-for-ransom in the world, and since the assasination of President Jovenel Moïse on July 7, rival factions have been trying to gain control, resulting in a major surge in the rate of abduction amid lack of security in the country.

According to a report by the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) issued last month, as many as 328 kidnapping victims were reported to the Caribbean country's National Police in the first eight months of 2021 while the figure was at 234 for all of 2020.