Paraguay launches search for missing 3-year-old in Chaco

A large-scale search operation is underway in the Chaco region of Paraguay to locate Kael Valdés, a 3-year-old boy who disappeared from the Seis de Enero ranch in the Presidente Hayes department. The child was last seen on Friday morning near a chicken coop.

The search involves a coordinated effort between the National Police, the Paraguayan Air Force, and the Paraguayan Navy. Specialized resources deployed include a UH-1H helicopter with search and rescue (SAR) personnel, a Cessna 210 aircraft, drones, and K-9 units. Operations are being coordinated from Fortín General Díaz.

Despite extensive ground searches by foot and horseback, as well as aerial monitoring, no concrete clues regarding the child's whereabouts have been found. Authorities noted that while the child was accompanied by a small dog and a piglet—the latter of which was found in a pasture—tracking dogs have lost the scent in certain areas. The Public Ministry has indicated that the circumstances are being treated as highly suspicious as investigations continue.