On 20 December 2023, Ecuadorian security officials announced the rescue of a recently kidnapped former British honorary consul in Guayaquil. Unidentified perpetrators had abducted the former diplomat from his home in Baba, Los Rios province — located approximately 60 km (40 mi) north of Guayaquil — on 16 December. Nine suspects were arrested in the police operation that freed the former honorary consul.