Ecuador's leader Daniel Noboa emerged without injury after his official convoy was targeted by rock-hurling demonstrators and what authorities described as potential gunfire.
Noboa was opening a water treatment plant in central Ecuador when his motorcade was set upon by a sizeable crowd demonstrating against increasing fuel prices.
Approximately 500 people appeared and were hurling rocks at him, and there are obviously gunshot impacts on the president's car
stated Ecuador's environment minister.
Officials reported that five people were arrested and would stand court proceedings on terrorism charges – an offense carrying a maximum punishment of 30 years in jail.
Recorded material released by the administration depicts demonstrators standing in the street, draped in flags, scrambling to gather large stones and bricks.
When the official vehicle passed, objects slammed into the paneling and broke glass.
Someone could be audible shouting: "Heads down! Heads down!" as the vehicle sped away.
Officials indicated they were continuing to examine whether some of the damage on Noboa's armored vehicle were resulted from gunfire.
The alleged attack came amid several days of progressively aggressive protests sparked by a government decision to raise fuel costs.
Protesters have gone on strike, blocked roads and abducted 16 soldiers – who were subsequently freed without injury.
Ecuador's largest native group reported that a protester had been killed by security personnel during a the rallies.
Over one hundred individuals, including protesters and law enforcement, are thought to have been hurt in the violence.
The president has imposed a emergency measures across multiple provinces.
The presidential administration said on social media after the attack that "cowardly acts will not stop" the leader.
A senior official of the Organization of American States commented that "such violent acts are an attack on democratic principles, peace, and the principle of harmonious living that must prevail in our societies."
Noboa is trying to reduce fuel support to conserve about one billion dollars in public expenditure, redirecting much of the funds to security funding.
Ecuador, previously regarded one of Latin America's most secure countries, has seen a dramatic surge in violence in the past few years.
Strategically located between two neighboring countries, two of the planet's biggest cocaine producers, Ecuador has become a significant transportation center for illegal drugs.
Authorities have alleged cartels of exacerbating the protests, implying that criminal groups are exploiting the demonstrations to destabilize the country.
Reports indicate that 70% of the global cocaine supply passes through Ecuador, much of it destined for the US.
This business has drawn global crime syndicates, including Mexican drug cartels, Italian mafia groups, and Albanian criminal networks.
The rivalry for control of smuggling corridors has turned the nation into one of the region's most dangerous locations.
Noboa has called for a referendum to allow the presence of American military to the nation, repealing a previous restriction on foreign bases.
A tech journalist with over a decade of experience covering emerging technologies and digital innovation across Europe.
