**American Pastor Rescued After Abduction in South Africa Amid Shoot-Out**

**An American pastor, abducted during a church service in South Africa, has been rescued after a shoot-out that resulted in the deaths of three kidnap suspects.**

An American pastor, Josh Sullivan, has been rescued unharmed after being kidnapped during a church service in Gqeberha, South Africa. The dramatic rescue operation unfolded on Tuesday evening, following a harrowing week since Sullivan was abducted on Thursday. Police reported a "high-intensity shoot-out" that resulted in three fatalities among the kidnappers.

Sullivan, who has lived in South Africa since 2018 with his family to establish a church for Xhosa-speaking communities, was targeted during a service at the Fellowship Baptist Church. According to reports, the armed perpetrators had made a ransom demand, escalating concerns about the growing trend of kidnappings for ransom in the country.

The elite police unit, the Hawks, received verified intelligence that led to the operation to secure Sullivan’s release. Describing the events, Hawks spokesperson Avele Fumba stated that officers engaged the suspects who attempted to flee while firing at them. The tactical response resulted in a swift shootout, ultimately ending the threat but resulting in the death of three unidentified individuals.

The community had rallied in support of Sullivan, with family friend Jeremy Hall expressing their desperation for his safe return after learning his name was known to the abductors. Sullivan's experience sheds light on the troubling increase in abductions within South Africa as communities work to address this growing crisis.

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