Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa has been the target of an alleged assassination attempt, according to Energy Minister Ines Manzano. The incident occurred when Noboa’s car was surrounded by approximately 500 protesters in the south-central province of Canar, where he had arrived to unveil new infrastructure projects. The projects, which include a water treatment plant and sewage system, are valued at $4.5 million and are expected to benefit 26,000 inhabitants.

Protesters hurled stones at the presidential convoy, damaging the vehicles and cracking the windows. Manzano reported that police later found bullet marks on the exterior of Noboa’s car, but the president was unharmed. Five suspects have been detained in connection with the attack, which the government has described as an “assassination attempt.”

The incident is the latest development in a series of protests against Noboa’s economic and security reforms, which critics argue harm the country’s indigenous community. The Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE), the country’s main indigenous organization, has been leading the protests, which have included road blockages and clashes with police.

CONAIE has acknowledged links to the convoy incident, but denied any involvement in an assassination plot. Instead, the group accused the government of “brutal police and military action” against demonstrators. The government has claimed that “terrorist groups” have infiltrated the protests, prompting a state of emergency in ten provinces due to “serious internal unrest.”

The unrest follows Noboa’s decision to end a decades-old fuel subsidy, which the government says will cut spending and redirect funds to social programs. However, critics argue that the measure will hurt low-income and indigenous families. The situation remains tense, with the government vowing to hold those responsible for the attack accountable and prosecute them for terrorism and attempted murder.

The incident is not the first attack on Noboa’s convoy. Last month, around 350 protesters stormed a motorcade carrying the president during demonstrations in Imbabura province. The ongoing protests and violence have raised concerns about the stability of the country and the impact of Noboa’s reforms on the indigenous community. As the situation continues to unfold, the government’s response to the protests and the alleged assassination attempt will be closely watched.