According to the group's United States-based church organization, two of the 17 Christian missionaries kidnapped in Haiti last month have been released.

Christian Aid Ministries said in a statement Sunday, "We have learned that two of the hostages in Haiti have been released."

It stated that it could not provide the names of individuals released, the reason for their release, or any other information.

"While we rejoice at this release, our hearts go out to the 15 people who remain detained," the statement continued.

The 16 Americans and one Canadian were seized in October while visiting an orphanage. Additionally, their Haitian driver was kidnapped.

The gang leader that kidnapped the members of the group has threatened to kill them if his demands are not satisfied. Authorities have stated that the 400 Mawozo gangs demanded $1 million for each person. However, it was not immediately apparent whether this included the group's children.

Gary Desrosiers, the spokesman for the Haitian National Police, confirmed Sunday's release of two hostages.

The FBI, which is assisting Haitian authorities in regaining custody of the hostages, declined to comment.

The release comes as Haiti grapples with an increase in gang-related violence and kidnappings. The US administration recently advised Americans to flee due to growing insecurity and a significant gasoline shortage blamed on gangs obstructing gas distribution facilities.

Canada stated on Friday that it was withdrawing all but essential personnel from its embassy.

The fuel crisis has led hospitals to turn away patients and paralyzed public transportation, resulting in the closure of several schools and business hours being reduced.

Haiti is also attempting to recover from President Jovenel Moise's assassination on July 7 and a 7.2 magnitude earthquake that slammed the country in mid-August, killing over 2,200 people and demolishing tens of thousands of homes.