Ecuadorean President Daniel Noboa Unharmed After Attack on His Car
QUITO, Ecuador - Ecuadorean President Daniel Noboa was unharmed after his car came under attack by a group of protesters in the south-central province of Canar on Wednesday.
According to Environment and Energy Minister Ines Manzano, Noboa's vehicle showed signs of bullet damage. "Shooting at the president's car, throwing stones, damaging state property - that's just criminal," she said in a statement to the press.
The attack occurred as Noboa arrived in the canton of El Tambo for an event about water treatment and sewage. A government official alleged that approximately 500 people surrounded his vehicle and threw rocks.
Noboa was re-elected to his first full term in April, and this incident has sparked concerns about the president's safety and the escalating tensions between the government and protesters.
The Ecuadorean government has accused protesters of attempting to assassinate Noboa. However, some critics have questioned the official account, suggesting that the attack may have been a misunderstanding or an overreaction by security forces.
In response to the incident, Manzano filed a report alleging an assassination attempt had taken place. "We will not tolerate any form of violence against our officials," she said.
The attack has raised questions about the government's handling of protests and its commitment to protecting public safety. The incident is also likely to fuel ongoing debates about the role of protests in Ecuadorean politics.
As the situation continues to unfold, the Ecuadorean government has vowed to take action against those responsible for the attack. However, it remains unclear what specific measures will be taken or how they will impact the country's fragile political landscape.
In a statement, Noboa expressed his gratitude for the support of his security team and the public. "I want to thank everyone who has shown their solidarity with me," he said.
*Reporting by Aljazeera.*
