Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa has escaped unharmed after his motorcade was attacked by protesters throwing stones, in what the government described as a clear assassination attempt. Defence Minister Gian Carlo Loffredo called the incident 'an act of terrorism'.
The attack occurred on Tuesday as Mr Noboa was inaugurating a water treatment plant in central Ecuador. A group of about 500 people hurled stones at the armoured vehicle, leaving bullet marks on the car, according to Environment Minister Inés Manzano. Five people were arrested and will face terrorism charges, which carry a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison.
The violence came amid days of demonstrations against rising fuel prices, which have led to strikes, roadblocks, and the abduction of 16 soldiers, who were later released unharmed. One protester has been killed by security forces, and more than 100 people have been injured. Mr Noboa has declared a state of emergency in several provinces.
Following the attack, the president's office said that 'cowardly acts will not deter' him. The Organisation of American States condemned the violence, saying it was an assault on democracy. However, the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador claimed that the president's convoy had entered a 'resistance zone', and lawyer Yaku Pérez said those arrested were not involved in the protest.
Mr Noboa, recently re-elected, is seeking to cut diesel subsidies to save $1bn, redirecting funds to security. Ecuador has seen a surge in violence linked to the drug trade, with 70% of the world's cocaine passing through the country, attracting international criminal organisations.
