Attack on Ecuador president's motorcade, five detained amid protests

President Daniel Noboa emerged unharmed after his motorcade came under attack on Tuesday in the Cañar province, where he had gone to inaugurate water and sewage projects, government officials said. Authorities said about 500 people surrounded the convoy, hurling rocks and other projectiles that shattered windows, and later reported signs of bullet damage to the presidential vehicle. Five people were detained in connection with the incident.

Environment and Energy Minister Ines Manzano filed a formal report of an assassination attempt and described damage to the president's car. "Shooting at the president's car, throwing stones, damaging state property, that's just criminal. We will not allow this," she said. The presidency posted video that it said was recorded from inside the motorcade showing protesters grabbing rocks and bricks as the convoy passed and objects striking the SUV.

The presidential office said perpetrators will face prosecution on charges of terrorism and attempted murder. Judicial authorities intend to arraign the five detainees in Cuenca, officials said. The government also accused criminal organizations that traffic drugs of infiltrating the protests and...