Ecuador’s military began deploying 3,000 troops to the capital Quito on Thursday in a bid to restore order following weeks of anti-government protests led by Indigenous groups. The move follows growing unrest, including an attack on President Daniel Noboa’s motorcade earlier this week.
The army confirmed that “military personnel, air and ground resources have begun a large deployment toward the city of Quito” to “safeguard security,” according to a message shared with journalists.
The deployment comes two days after a group of around 500 demonstrators, protesting fuel price hikes, pelted Noboa’s convoy with stones. The president, a right-wing leader, was unharmed, though his defense minister labelled the incident an “assassination attempt,” and one official claimed Noboa’s vehicle showed signs of bullet damage.
The unrest is being driven by Conaie, Ecuador’s largest Indigenous organization, which has blocked major roads—including in Pichincha province where Quito is located—since September 22. The protests have turned increasingly tense, with human rights groups reporting at least one protester dead, 160 injured, and over 110 detained.
Conaie has played a major role in past uprisings that have toppled three Ecuadorian presidents. Its current leader, Marlon Vargas, recently warned that demonstrators were prepared to “take over” the capital if necessary. President Noboa responded firmly, declaring that “no one can come and forcibly take over the capital.”
The situation continues to escalate amid deepening public anger over rising fuel costs and economic instability, raising concerns about renewed political turmoil in the Andean nation.
