# Child and kidnapping rescue incidents in South America

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/child-and-kidnapping-rescue-incidents-in-south-america
> Updated: 2026-09-12T15:23:47.000Z. Sources: 28. Developments: 2.

Recent reports from Ecuador and Venezuela highlight various rescue operations involving children and victims of kidnapping.

In Ecuador, a young girl was located safely in Quito after being missing for three hours. In Venezuela, a 12-year-old boy was rescued in Puerto Ordaz after being held captive under death threats by a relative.

Additionally, a Colombian national living in Cuenca, Ecuador, was rescued from an extortion-based kidnapping in his home. This operation involved a joint effort between Colombia’s Gaula unit and Ecuador’s National Police, leading to the arrest of two suspects after the victim's family had already made an initial payment.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-12: Azua robbery attempt leads to police shootout and three deaths

Police in Azua killed three suspects during a failed robbery of a Caribe Express branch. Meanwhile, prosecutors seek detention for a man accused of killing a youth following a fraudulent iPhone sale.

20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colombian-national-rescued-from-kidnapping-in-cuenca

### 2026-09-08: Authorities rescue children in separate incidents in Ecuador and Venezuela

Authorities in Ecuador and Venezuela successfully rescued children in separate incidents involving a missing girl in Quito and a 12-year-old held captive by a relative in Puerto Ordaz.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/authorities-rescue-children-in-separate-incidents-in-ecuador-and-venezuela

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Cite as: Child and kidnapping rescue incidents in South America. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/child-and-kidnapping-rescue-incidents-in-south-america