American Pastor Rescued from Kidnappers in South Africa After Intense Gunfight

American pastor Josh Sullivan, who was kidnapped in South Africa during a sermon, was rescued in a police operation that left three suspects dead, according to authorities.

In a harrowing incident that unfolded in South Africa, Pastor Josh Sullivan from Tennessee was abducted last week while preaching at the Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell. The kidnapping occurred on Thursday when four masked assailants took him hostage and relocated him to a safe house within the city of Gqeberha, previously known as Port Elizabeth.

Following the gathering of crucial intelligence, the South African police launched an operation targeting the safe house. As they approached, Lt. Col. Avele Fumba, a spokesperson for the local police, stated that the suspects observed law enforcement and reportedly began firing their weapons in panic.

What ensued was described as a "high-intensity" gun battle, resulting in the deaths of three unidentified suspects. Fortunately, police found Pastor Sullivan unharmed inside a parked vehicle near the safe house. Authorities confirmed he was in "excellent condition" and was soon reunited with his family, relieving them from the ordeal that had consumed their days of uncertainty.