The nation's leader Daniel Noboa emerged unharmed after his presidential convoy was targeted by stone-throwing demonstrators and what authorities characterized as possible gunfire.
The president was opening a water purification facility in central Ecuador when his motorcade was attacked by a sizeable crowd demonstrating against increasing energy costs.
About 500 people showed up and were throwing stones at him, and there are obviously gunshot impacts on the president's car
stated the country's environment minister.
Authorities reported that five people were detained and would stand court proceedings on terrorism accusations – an offense carrying a maximum punishment of 30 years in jail.
Video footage released by the administration depicts protesters standing in the street, covered in banners, scrambling to collect sizeable rocks and bricks.
When the official vehicle drove by, objects thudded into the paneling and shattered glass.
Someone could be audible shouting: "Heads down! Heads down!" as the car accelerated from the scene.
Authorities indicated they were still investigating whether certain of the impact marks on the president's armored vehicle were resulted from bullet impacts.
This reported attack came amid days of progressively aggressive demonstrations triggered by a government decision to increase diesel prices.
Demonstrators have gone on strike, obstructed highways and taken 16 soldiers – who were subsequently released unharmed.
Ecuador's largest native group stated that a demonstrator had been fatally injured by armed forces during a the rallies.
More than 100 people, including demonstrators and law enforcement, are believed to have been hurt in the unrest.
Noboa has declared a emergency measures across multiple provinces.
The presidential administration said on social media following the incident that "such actions will not deter" the president.
A senior official of the Organization of American States said that "these actions are an assault on democracy, peace, and the principle of peaceful coexistence that must prevail in our nations."
Noboa is attempting to cut diesel subsidies to save about $1bn in public expenditure, diverting a significant portion of the funds to safety initiatives.
The nation, once considered one of the region's safest countries, has seen a dramatic surge in criminal activity in recent years.
Positioned between Colombia and Peru, two of the world's largest cocaine producers, the country has become a major transit hub for narcotics.
Authorities have accused cartels of exacerbating the unrest, implying that illegal organizations are exploiting the protests to disrupt the country.
Reports indicate that 70% of the global cocaine supply transits via the country, much of it destined for the United States.
The trade has attracted international criminal organizations, including Mexico's Sinaloa Cartel, Italian mafia groups, and Albania's mafia.
The rivalry for control of trafficking routes has transformed Ecuador into one of the region's most dangerous locations.
The president has proposed a public vote to permit the presence of American military to the country, repealing a 2009 ban on foreign bases.
Elena Hartwell is a multidisciplinary artist and educator passionate about fostering creative communities in London.