Ecuadorian authorities have detained five individuals following an alleged assassination attempt on President Daniel Noboa. The incident occurred when a large group, estimated at around 500 people, reportedly hurled rocks at the president’s car. Officials stated that the vehicle showed “signs of bullet damage,” though President Noboa himself was unharmed.
A video released by the president’s office appears to show protesters throwing rocks at a vehicle, with visible damage including three small holes in a window. While the BBC has not independently verified that a bullet was fired, the footage supports the official account of the damage.
The Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (Conaie), a prominent indigenous organization that has been spearheading a national strike, claimed that five of its members were “arbitrarily detained” in connection with the event.
Conaie initiated the strike and protests approximately two weeks ago, primarily in opposition to the government’s decision to end diesel subsidies. These actions have included organized marches and road blockades across the country.
The government has defended the subsidy cut, asserting that it will generate significant annual savings, estimated at $1.1 billion, which can then be redistributed to support small-scale farmers and the transport sector.
This incident follows a similar event last week where President Noboa’s convoy was reportedly ambushed by protesters. The president was accompanied by international diplomats at the time, including representatives from the UN, EU, Italy, and the Vatican, as he was delivering aid to communities affected by the ongoing strike. Photos shared by the president on social media at the time showed damaged windscreens and windows on the vehicles in his entourage.
Reports indicate that several members of the armed forces were injured during these protests, and Conaie has stated that one person lost their life. Conaie has criticized the government’s response, accusing it of employing arbitrary detentions and using excessive force against demonstrators. The government, however, has characterized the group’s activities as “criminal.”