Ecuador's Defense Minister Gian Carlo Loffredo stated on 8/10 that the aggressive nature of the attack on the presidential motorcade clearly indicated an assassination attempt and an act of terrorism against the president. The incident occurred on 7/10 when about 500 people attacked President Daniel Noboa's motorcade with bricks and stones in Canar province. The group was protesting rising fuel prices in Ecuador.

Ecuador's Environment Minister Ines Manzano accused protesters of firing shots at Noboa's vehicle. She stated, "There are clear bullet marks on the president's car", adding that her own vehicle also had bullet marks. However, video released by the Ecuadorian President's Office showed Noboa's vehicle and those of government officials with cracked windows. These cracks appeared to be from bricks and stones, not bullet impacts.

Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa speaks at an event in Guayaquil on 8/10. Photo: AFP

President Noboa was unharmed, and five people were arrested following the incident. However, the Ecuadorian Attorney General's Office announced on 8/10 that a judge declared the arrest of these five individuals illegal and ordered their release. According to Defense Minister Loffredo, the attackers aimed to "sow chaos", but nothing would stop President Noboa from "implementing rural projects and directly reaching the areas most in need of help".

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the violence targeting Noboa's motorcade. He expressed deep concern "about the situation amid ongoing protests" and called for an end to the violence and comprehensive dialogue to resolve disagreements peacefully.

The attack occurred days after a series of protests erupted and grew increasingly violent. These demonstrations oppose the president's fuel subsidy cuts, which caused diesel prices to surge. Noboa's move, made after his recent re-election, aims to save about one billion USD in public spending, most of which will be reinvested in the security sector.

Protesters have gone on strike, blocked roads, and kidnapped 16 soldiers before releasing them. On 5/10, one of Ecuador's largest indigenous organizations reported that the military killed a protester during a march. Over 100 people, including both protesters and security forces, are reported to have been injured. President Noboa has declared a state of emergency in 10 provinces.