Ecuador's president Daniel Noboa emerged unharmed following his official convoy was attacked by rock-hurling demonstrators and what officials described as potential shots.
The president was opening a water treatment plant in central Ecuador when his motorcade was set upon by a large group demonstrating against rising energy costs.
About five hundred individuals appeared and were throwing stones at him, and there are obviously bullet marks on the official vehicle
commented the country's environment minister.
Authorities reported that five people were detained and would face trial on terrorism charges – an offense carrying a maximum punishment of three decades in jail.
Video footage made public by the administration shows protesters positioned in the street, covered in flags, rushing to collect large stones and building blocks.
As the official vehicle passed, objects slammed into the exterior and shattered windows.
A voice could be audible yelling: "Duck! Get down!" as the vehicle accelerated from the scene.
Authorities indicated they were continuing to examine whether some of the damage on the president's armored vehicle were resulted from gunfire.
This reported attack occurred amid several days of progressively aggressive demonstrations sparked by a government decision to increase diesel prices.
Demonstrators have initiated work stoppages, obstructed highways and taken 16 soldiers – who were eventually freed without injury.
Ecuador's biggest Indigenous organization stated that a protester had been fatally injured by security personnel during one of the rallies.
Over one hundred individuals, including protesters and security services, are believed to have been hurt in the unrest.
The president has declared a state of emergency across multiple provinces.
Noboa's office stated on digital platforms following the incident that "such actions will not deter" the leader.
A senior official of the regional organization commented that "these actions are an attack on democracy, stability, and the principle of harmonious living that must dominate in our nations."
Noboa is attempting to cut fuel support to save about one billion dollars in public expenditure, diverting a significant portion of the savings to security funding.
The nation, previously regarded one of the region's most secure countries, has experienced a significant increase in criminal activity in the past few years.
Strategically located between Colombia and Peru, two of the planet's biggest cocaine producers, Ecuador has transformed into a major transportation center for narcotics.
Officials have alleged cartels of exacerbating the protests, implying that criminal groups are taking advantage of the protests to disrupt the country.
Reports indicate that 70% of the world's cocaine supply transits via Ecuador, a large portion of it headed for the United States.
The trade has drawn global crime syndicates, including Mexican drug cartels, Italy's 'Ndrangheta, and Albania's mafia.
The rivalry for dominance of smuggling corridors has turned the nation into one of the region's highest-risk locations.
The president has proposed a public vote to allow the presence of US troops to the country, repealing a previous restriction on international military installations.
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