On the 7th, Ecuador’s Minister of Environment and Energy, Manzano, stated that President Noboa’s motorcade was attacked in Cañar Province in central Ecuador that day, but Noboa was unharmed. Five attackers were arrested and will be prosecuted on suspected ‘terrorism’ charges.
He told Ecuadorian media that Noboa’s convoy was attacked with stones on the way to an event in Tambo, Cañar Province; there were 'obvious bullet marks' on the vehicle Noboa was traveling in, but fortunately, Noboa himself was not injured.
He stated: “We will never tolerate such behavior.”
He said, this was “not a peaceful demonstration.” Security forces arrested five demonstrators at the scene, who will be prosecuted on suspicion of ‘terrorism’.
On September 12, the Ecuadorian government announced the cancellation of the diesel subsidy. Nationwide diesel prices subsequently increased by more than 55%, causing strong opposition from the transportation sector as well as social groups including indigenous residents and workers. In some regions, protests escalated into violent acts, severely impacting residents’ personal safety, travel, and economic activities.
On the evening of October 4, Noboa issued a decree declaring a 60-day state of emergency in 10 provinces, including Pichincha (where the capital Quito is located) and Cotopaxi, due to large-scale protests, nationwide strikes, and serious internal disturbances.