Criminals in Haiti Kidnap 2 Buses Holding 38 People Hostage

Criminal gang members in Haiti have kidnapped two buses, taking 38 people hostage. This was reported by France Presse, citing the head of the country's drivers' association.

The incident occurred while leaving the capital, Port-au-Prince. The agency notes that Haitian authorities lost control over the only road connecting the capital with the south of the country last year. A stretch of road approximately 2 kilometers long is under the control of armed bandits.

Each bus carried 19 people, including 18 passengers and the driver. According to human rights defenders, more than 1,000 people were kidnapped in Haiti in 2021, and over 200 in the first four months of 2022.

The recent kidnappings have occurred amid clashes between gangs controlling the outskirts of the capital, which have forced many people to leave their homes. Since the escalation of violence last week, official data indicate that at least 20 civilians have died.