Image: BBC

Protesters Attack Ecuador President Noboa’s Convoy in Assassination Attempt

08 October, 2025.South America.16 sources

Key Takeaways

President Daniel Noboa's convoy was attacked by about 500 protesters throwing rocks.
The president's vehicle showed signs of bullet damage but Noboa escaped unharmed.
Authorities detained five individuals following the alleged assassination attempt in Cañar province.

Attack on President Noboa's Convoy

President Daniel Noboa escaped unharmed after about 500 protesters attacked his convoy in El Tambo, Cañar province.

“Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa escaped unhurt after his convoy was attacked by a large crowd hurling rocks on Tuesday, in what authorities have described as an attempted assassination”

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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.

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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.

“Written By:ANI | Published on:Oct 8, 2025 ANI Photo | Ecuador President’s convoy attacked, five arrested for alleged assassination attempt Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa narrowly escaped an alleged assassination attempt on Tuesday when protesters in Canar province attacked his convoy”

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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.

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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.

“ANI |Updated:Oct 08, 2025 08:56 IST Quito [Ecuador], October 8 (ANI): Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa narrowly escaped an alleged assassination attempt on Tuesday when protesters in Canar province attacked his convoy”