ISTANBUL

A group of protesters reportedly attacked the convoy of Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa with stones while he was traveling through the country’s south-central region, authorities have confirmed.

Ecuador’s Environment and Energy Minister Ines Manzano said on Tuesday that the incident occurred in the El Tambo city of the Canar province while Noboa was on his way to attend an event.

According to Manzano, around 500 people gathered along the route and began throwing stones at the convoy.

“We have filed a formal complaint with the prosecutor’s office,” Manzano said.

“Bullet marks were also found on the President’s vehicle. President Noboa escaped the attack unharmed, and those responsible will not go unpunished.”

- 'Time to fight for development'

Despite the assault, Noboa continued his schedule in the Cuenca city of the Azuay province, where he met with students.

Speaking after the incident, he denounced the attack as “an act of vandalism.”

“Do not follow the bad examples of those who tried to prevent us from being here today or attacked us,” Noboa told the students.

“Today is the time to choose the future we want for our country. It is time to fight for development — but we will do so peacefully, wisely, and in solidarity.”

According to Ecuadorian media reports, the attackers were among protesters opposing the government’s recent decision to remove diesel fuel subsidies.

The move has sparked nationwide demonstrations led by the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador, which has been protesting the policy for 16 days and has called for a nationwide strike.

Noboa has defended the government’s stance, reaffirming that the subsidy cuts will proceed and warning that those obstructing the policy “will face consequences.”