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Attack on President Noboa's Convoy
President Daniel Noboa escaped unharmed after about 500 protesters attacked his convoy in El Tambo, Cañar province.
“Ecuadorean President Daniel Noboa’s car was attacked by about 500 protesters throwing rocks as he arrived at an event in Canar province.”
The protesters hurled rocks and allegedly fired shots at the convoy.
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Noboa's car showed apparent bullet damage following the assault.
Authorities detained five people in connection with the attack.
The detained individuals will be charged with terrorism and attempted assassination.
The presidency and government ministers have vowed to prosecute those responsible.
Media coverage highlights the scale of the assault and the visible damage to the vehicle.
Officials have described the incident as an assassination attempt on President Noboa.
Protests and Government Subsidy Changes
The violence is linked to a broader, weeks-long national strike and protests over the government’s removal of fuel and diesel subsidies.
Government supporters emphasize budget savings, anti-smuggling efforts, and redistribution as reasons for the subsidy removal.
Indigenous-led protesters warn that the changes will lead to higher living costs.
The strike, led by the federation CONAIE, has included marches and blockades.
Several reports estimate the savings from subsidy removal to be near $1.1 billion.
These funds are planned to be redirected to small farmers and transport workers.
Response to Attack and Security Measures
Officials described the attack as an act of terrorism and an assassination attempt.
“The president's office plans to charge the detainees with terrorism and attempted assassination.”
Five detainees are facing serious charges with promises of prosecution.
Some media outlets reported that a formal document was filed regarding the assassination attempt.
Several sources highlighted the implementation of expanded security measures, including a state of emergency in ten provinces.
Authorities maintain that peaceful protests are still allowed despite the heightened security.
The presidency and government ministers emphasized that violence and intimidation will not be tolerated.
Dispute Over Protest Responses
Indigenous organizations and their supporters reject the state's version of events, claiming severe repression.
Reports cite CONAIE and others accusing security forces of brutal repression, arbitrary detentions, and excessive force against peaceful protesters, including elderly women.
In contrast, officials claim that violent actors and radical groups, not Indigenous communities, were responsible for the attacks.
Authorities also state that criminal and extremist groups are taking advantage of the unrest.
Attack on Noboa's Convoy
The ambush also fits a pattern of escalating confrontations.
“including a recent ambush on a presidential convoy carrying international diplomats.”
Several reports recall a similar attack in September on a convoy with international diplomats.
Local and alternative outlets note Noboa was visiting to deliver or oversee community projects when the convoy was hit.
Officials and the president condemned the latest assault.
Noboa urged Ecuadorians to reject violence and intimidation, insisting such attacks will not be tolerated.