Manzano explained that Noboa was participating in the opening of a water treatment plant in the center of the country when his convoy was attacked by hundreds of protesters. She said, “About 500 people appeared and started pelting him with stones, and there are clear bullet marks on the president’s car as well.” She added, “Thank God, our president is strong and brave, continuing to move forward and carry out his agenda as usual.” The government released a video, allegedly filmed from inside the convoy, showing protesters wrapping themselves in flags and searching for stones and bricks to throw as the presidential car passed. In the recording, a voice is heard saying, “Protect your head! Protect your head!” as projectiles hit one of the accompanying cars and at least one window was broken. Ecuador has been witnessing sporadic protests for days, interspersed with acts of violence against the backdrop of the decision to raise diesel prices, while the government accuses organized crime gangs—competing to control cocaine smuggling routes—of being behind the unrest.
