Ecuador President Unharmed in Motorcade Attack

Noboa was inaugurating a water treatment plant in central Ecuador when his motorcade was set on by a large group protesting against rising fuel prices.

"About 500 people showed up and were throwing stones at him, and there are obviously bullet marks on the president's car as well," said Environment Minister Ines Manzano.

She said five people were arrested and would stand trial on terrorism charges, an offense carrying a maximum punishment of 30 years in jail.

Video released by the government, reportedly filmed from inside the motorcade, shows protesters standing in the road, draped in flags, scrambling to collect large stones and bricks.

As the presidential SUV passed, projectiles thudded into the paneling and shattered windows.

A voice can be heard shouting, "Heads down! Heads down!" as the vehicle sped away. 

Officials said they were still investigating whether some of the impact marks on Noboa's armored Chevrolet Suburban were caused by gunfire.

The alleged attack came amid days of increasingly violent demonstrations sparked by a government decision to raise diesel prices.

Protesters have gone on strike, blocked roads and abducted 16 soldiers, who were eventually released unharmed.

More than 100 people, including protesters and security services, are believed to have been injured in the unrest.

Noboa has declared a state of emergency across several provinces.