A man films himself in front of tires on fire during a general strike launched by several professional associations and companies to denounce insecurity in Port-au-Prince on October 18, 2021. A nationwide general strike emptied the streets of Haiti's capital Port-au-Prince on Monday with organizers denouncing the rapidly disintegrating security situation highlighted by the kidnapping of American and Canadian missionaries at the weekend. The kidnapping of 17 adults and children by one of Haiti's brazen criminal gangs underlined the country's troubles following the assassination of president Jovenel Mose in July and amid mounting lawlessness in the Western hemisphere's poorest nation. | RICHARD PIERRIN/AFP via Getty Images

The U.S. State Department urged Americans to "depart Haiti now" before not even the government is able to help them leave as widespread fuel shortages triggered by growing violence in the Caribbean nation continued while 17 missionaries, including 16 Americans, were still being held hostage by a local gang demanding a $17 million ransom.

"The Department of State urges U.S. citizens to make plans to depart Haiti now via commercial means. U.S. citizens should carefully consider the risks of traveling to or remaining in Haiti in light of the current security situation and infrastructure challenges," a statement from the U.S. Embassy in Haiti said Wednesday.

"Widespread fuel shortages may limit essential services in an emergency, including access to banks, money transfers, urgent medical care, internet and telecommunications, and public and private transportation options. The U.S. Embassy is unlikely to be able to assist U.S. citizens in Haiti with departure if commercial options become unavailable," the government warned. "Seats on commercial flights currently remain available."

The Evangelical Theological Seminary of Port-au-Prince said its student coordinator, identified as Pastor Stanis Stifinson, was traveling home through Croix-des-Bouquets with his family Saturday when their vehicle was attacked by gunmen. One of his children was killed in the attack while the pastor and his older son are recovering from gunshot wounds, the Miami Herald reported.

"A group of the large family of the UEBH met [on Nov. 8] at the STEP extension campus for a special moment of prayer. We have interceded before God for the country that is plunging into unprecedented instability, for the victims of atrocities that Haitian families know, and especially for the family of the Step Student Affairs Coordinator," the seminary wrote in a statement on its Facebook page Monday. "The latter and his entire family were victims of an armed attack while they were returning home."

The attack on the pastor and his family comes some three weeks after 16 American missionaries, one Canadian and a local driver working with the Ohio-based Christian Aid Ministries were kidnapped by the 400 Mawozo gang.

It also comes just days after the United Nations urged its employees to stock up on emergency supplies on Oct. 28.

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