Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Ecuador's Noboa Unharmed After Reported Attempt on Presidential Convoy

The alleged attack came during Indigenous-led protests over a diesel subsidy cut that has triggered emergency measures.

Overview

  • The convoy was targeted in Cañar on Oct. 7, with official videos showing stones striking vehicles and officials claiming bullet marks on the president's car, which independent outlets said they could not verify.
  • Five people were detained after the incident, and the government says they will face terrorism and attempted homicide charges following a formal complaint of attempted assassination.
  • The unrest stems from the mid-September removal of a diesel subsidy that raised prices from US$1.80 to US$2.80 per gallon, prompting roadblocks and a national strike led by Conaie.
  • Noboa has imposed 60-day states of exception in 10 of Ecuador's 24 provinces, while rights monitors cite at least one protester killed, about 150 injured, and roughly 100 detained in recent weeks.
  • Conaie denies responsibility for the convoy attack and accuses security forces of brutality and arbitrary detentions, as authorities allege criminal infiltration, including Tren de Aragua, without presenting public evidence; the OAS chief condemned the attack.