South American footballer's family rescued after being kidnapped

Police confirmed that Jackson Rodríguez's family, who were abducted from their Guayaquil residence, have been safely rescued. The Ecuadorian footballer, aged 26, sought shelter beneath his bed whilst four armed assailants in hoods abducted his wife, 24, and son, 5, on Wednesday from their residence in Mucho Lote.

Police commander Pablo Dávila confirmed that both mother and child were unharmed and received necessary medical care post-rescue. Despite the kidnappers' demand for USD 500,000, the family did not comply. Rodríguez currently plays as a left back for Emelec in the first division.

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The victims were discovered late Thursday in "El Fortín", a notoriously unsafe district in northwest Guayaquil where a March incident resulted in 22 fatalities.

Guayaquil is situated 270 kilometres southwest of Quito.

The incident occurred during a government-declared state of emergency spanning nine regions, including Guayas province where Guayaquil is located. This measure enables security forces to counter organised crime in these areas.

Ecuador has experienced increased criminal activity over four years, with a surge in early 2023. Official records show 2,345 violent deaths between January and March, with 742 occurring in Guayaquil.

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The coastal city serves as a significant transit point for illegal drugs destined for Europe, Central America, and the United States, according to officials.

Previously, other sportspersons have faced similar threats. In December, Liga de Quito player Pedro Perlaza was abducted in Esmeraldas, 182 kilometres northwest of Quito, before being rescued days later.