Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa narrowly escaped an alleged assassination attempt on October 8, deepening political tensions in a nation already shaken by weeks of social unrest and violent protests. The attack, which occurred during a visit to the south-central province of Cañar, underscores the volatile mix of anger and mistrust surrounding Noboa’s recent economic and security reforms – measures that his critics say disproportionately harm the country’s impoverished and indigenous populations.

According to Energy Minister Inés Manzano, the president’s convoy came under attack as it entered Cañar, a region with a significant indigenous population. Around 500 demonstrators reportedly surrounded the motorcade, pelting it with stones and other objects. Video footage released by the presidential office showed the vehicle’s windows shattered and the vehicle itself pockmarked with dents. Later, forensic teams discovered what appeared to be bullet marks on the car’s exterior, though no shots penetrated the cabin.

“The president’s life was clearly endangered,” Manzano told reporters, confirming that an official complaint for an “assassination attempt” had been filed. Noboa escaped unharmed, and five individuals have since been detained in connection with the incident. Authorities have accused the suspects of “terrorism and attempted murder,” marking a severe escalation in how the government characterizes the unrest.

In a statement on social media, the president’s office condemned the attack as an orchestrated effort to destabilize the country. “Obeying orders to radicalize, they attacked a presidential motorcade carrying civilians. They attempted to forcibly prevent the delivery of a project intended to improve the lives of the community,” the statement read. The post added that those........

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