Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa narrowly escaped an alleged assassination attempt as his vehicle was targeted by protesters, leaving visible damage. The incident occurred amidst escalating tensions fueled by nationwide strikes and violent clashes. According to the country’s Energy and Environment Minister, approximately 500 individuals hurled rocks at the president’s car, with signs of bullet damage observed. Noboa, however, remained unharmed. A video shared by the president’s office, though unverified by the BBC, captured protesters attacking the vehicle and three small holes in one of its windows. The government has detained five individuals, accusing them of terrorism and attempted assassination. These arrests have sparked controversy, with Conaie, Ecuador’s largest indigenous organization, claiming the detentions were arbitrary. The unrest stems from the government’s decision to eliminate diesel subsidies, a move defended as a cost-saving measure to reallocate $1.1 billion annually to small-scale farmers and the transport sector. Conaie, which led the national strike, has organized marches and roadblocks, intensifying the crisis. Last week, Noboa’s convoy was ambushed while delivering aid during the strike, resulting in smashed vehicles and injuries among armed forces personnel. Conaie has accused the government of violent crackdowns, while the administration labels the group’s actions as criminal. This turmoil echoes Conaie’s historical role in toppling three presidents between 1997 and 2005, underscoring the deep-seated tensions in Ecuador.