Column of Ecuador's president attacked but he is not injured

(Patria) - Ecuador's president emerged unharmed after an apparent gun attack on his motorcade on Tuesday, AFP reported.

Daniel Noboa was opening a water treatment plant in central Ecuador when hundreds of protesters attacked his motorcade, according to Environment Minister Ines Manzano.

About "500 people showed up and threw stones at him, and there are also obvious bullet marks on the president's car," she said.

"Thank God, our president, very firm, brave, continues on, carrying out his agenda as usual," she added.

The government released a video, allegedly filmed from the motorcade, showing protesters draped in flags scrambling for stones and bricks to throw as the presidential vehicle passed.

"Cover your head! Cover your head!" a voice is heard saying as stones hit the SUV, shattering at least one window.

Ecuador is facing days of sometimes violent protests over an increase in diesel prices. The government has accused cartels, which are fighting for control over cocaine trafficking routes, of being behind the unrest.