The nation's president Daniel Noboa came out unharmed following his official convoy was targeted by stone-throwing protesters and what authorities characterized as potential shots.
The president was inaugurating a water purification facility in central Ecuador when his motorcade was set upon by a large group protesting against rising fuel prices.
About five hundred individuals appeared and were throwing stones at him, and there are clearly bullet marks on the official vehicle
stated the country's environment minister.
Officials confirmed that five individuals were detained and would face trial on terrorism accusations – an offense carrying a highest penalty of 30 years in jail.
Video footage made public by the government depicts demonstrators positioned in the street, covered in flags, rushing to collect sizeable rocks and building blocks.
When the presidential SUV passed, projectiles slammed into the exterior and shattered windows.
Someone could be audible shouting: "Duck! Get down!" as the vehicle sped away.
Officials said they were still investigating whether certain of the damage on Noboa's protected vehicle were resulted from bullet impacts.
This reported attack occurred amid several days of progressively aggressive demonstrations triggered by a government decision to increase diesel prices.
Demonstrators have initiated work stoppages, obstructed highways and abducted 16 soldiers – who were subsequently freed without injury.
The country's biggest Indigenous organization stated that a protester had been killed by security personnel during a the protests.
Over one hundred individuals, including protesters and law enforcement, are believed to have been hurt in the violence.
Noboa has declared a emergency measures across multiple provinces.
Noboa's office said on digital platforms after the incident that "cowardly acts will not deter" the leader.
The head of the regional organization commented that "these actions are an attack on democracy, peace, and the principle of harmonious living that must prevail in our societies."
Noboa is trying to cut diesel subsidies to save about one billion dollars in public expenditure, diverting much of the savings to safety initiatives.
Ecuador, once considered one of Latin America's safest nations, has experienced a significant increase in criminal activity in recent years.
Strategically located between Colombia and Peru, two of the world's largest cocaine producers, Ecuador has transformed into a significant transit hub for illegal drugs.
Authorities have accused drug gangs of fueling the protests, suggesting that illegal organizations are exploiting the protests to disrupt the country.
It is estimated that 70% of the world's illegal drug market passes through the country, much of it headed for the US.
This business has attracted global crime syndicates, including Mexican drug cartels, Italy's 'Ndrangheta, and Albanian criminal networks.
The rivalry for control of trafficking routes has turned Ecuador into one of the area's most dangerous places.
The president has called for a referendum to allow the presence of American military to the country, repealing a 2009 ban on foreign bases.
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