Ecuador Warns of Assassination Plot Against President Shortly After Election Win

The Ecuadorian government declared a state of “maximum alert” over the weekend due to an assassination plot against President Daniel Noboa, saying the threat comes from criminal groups acting in coordination with political factions defeated in the country’s recent general elections, Al Jazeera reported. 

The country’s Ministry of Government announced there were plans for “an assassination, terrorist attacks and … violent protests” against Noboa and other officials.  

The warning followed the leak of an intelligence report earlier this week, which suggested hitmen had entered Ecuador from Mexico and elsewhere to carry out the alleged plot. 

The ministry said “all security protocols have been activated,” adding that the military and police were working to neutralize the threats.  

The government’s move comes days after Noboa defeated his rival Luisa González in the April 13 presidential runoff.  

Although no suspects were named, officials blamed the assassination plot on “bad losers” of the recent elections, including the Citizen Revolution Movement – led by González and linked to former President Rafael Correa. 

However, critics claimed that the authorities have not provided evidence of the alleged plot, with González rejecting the allegations as “desperation to silence us.”  

She reiterated claims of electoral fraud in the presidential elections, which she lost by more than one million votes. González said she will challenge the results, according to the Associated Press. 

The alleged plot comes as Ecuador grapples with escalating violence from drug trafficking gangs and cartels. In January, Noboa declared an “internal armed conflict” to combat the criminal organizations.  

The incumbent rose to power with promises to fight organized crime and revive Ecuador’s economy. 

On Friday, gunmen killed at least 12 people at a cockfight being held in Manabí Province.