QUITO, Ecuador (AP) — Ecuadorian authorities have placed the country on high alert following intelligence reports suggesting a potential attempt on the life of President Daniel Noboa. The Government Ministry announced on its social media platform X that it had received alarming information regarding planned assassination attempts, terrorist attacks, and violent protests aimed at destabilizing the country's political landscape.
This warning comes shortly after President Noboa secured re-election, defeating leftist opposition candidate Luisa González by a significant margin of over one million votes, according to electoral authorities. Noboa's administration has attributed the recent threats to organized crime and certain political factions that have faced defeat in the polls.
In light of the intelligence received, the government stated that it has implemented various security measures intended to neutralize these alleged threats. Noboa’s rising popularity is linked to his stringent measures against organized crime, particularly amid rising violence in Ecuador, which has prompted him to declare that the nation is experiencing an "internal armed conflict."
Amid these tensions, President Noboa also referenced an alleged military intelligence report circulating on social media that claims the transfer of hired killers from Mexico and other nations to Ecuador has commenced following the recent election. The Associated Press reached out to military officials regarding the authenticity of this report; however, the military's press office indicated that an official statement would be forthcoming.
The government's lack of evidence to substantiate its warnings has sparked criticism, particularly from former candidate Luisa González. She has voiced her concerns regarding the integrity of the election results, asserting that they were falsified. On social media, González characterized the government's assassination claims as a sign of "desperation to silence us," further hinting at the likelihood of increased political persecution against opposition voices.
As the situation develops, the implications of these threats and the government's response remain critical for Ecuador's political stability and the safety of its leaders. The country is experiencing significant unrest as it navigates the tensions between government authority and opposition claims, all set against a backdrop of rising violence and security challenges.
