Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa emerged unscathed after his motorcade was assaulted by stone-throwing protesters during an event to inaugurate a water treatment plant, officials say.
Environment and Energy Minister Inés Manzano described what she called a volley of gunshots targeting the vehicle, and noted visible bullet marks on the president’s armored car. She confirmed that five suspects have been detained and will face charges including terrorism and attempted assassination.
The attack took place amid sustained nationwide protests triggered by the removal of fuel subsidies, a move that has inflamed tensions, especially among Indigenous groups. Authorities have declared states of emergency in several provinces in response to the unrest.