By Alexandra Valencia

QUITO (Reuters) -Ecuadorean President Daniel Noboa’s car was surrounded by a group of around 500 people throwing rocks as he approached an event in Cañar province, a top minister said, adding that “signs of bullet damage” were found on the president’s vehicle.

Environment and Energy Minister Ines Manzano spoke on Tuesday after formally filing a report of an assassination attempt against Noboa. The president was not hurt and five people have been detained, the minister said.

“Shooting at the president’s car, throwing stones, damaging state property – that’s just criminal,” Manzano said. “We will not allow this.”

Noboa’s office said all those arrested would be processed under charges of terrorism and attempted assassination.

Reuters could not independently verify w

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