On August 17th, Ecuadorian presidential candidate, Daniel Noboa, confirmed that his campaign convoy was attacked while passing through Durán, located in the southwestern province of Guayas.
Taking to Twitter, Noboa said, “Our convoy was targeted in Durán. Thankfully, we emerged unscathed. Intimidation and fear have no place in the nation we envision and are committed to transforming.”
“Our campaign finale in Guayaquil will proceed today — with caution, yet undeterred optimism and resolve. Thank you for your support.”
This incident comes during a 60-day state of emergency in Ecuador following the assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio on August 9th.
Additionally, in the same week, a political leader from the Revolución Ciudadana party, Pedro Briones, was fatally shot.
The surge in violence has led presidential candidates to wear bulletproof vests during their campaigns.
This year has already witnessed over 3,568 violent deaths, a figure that may surpass the previous year’s record of more than 4,500 fatalities.