QUITO - Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa on Saturday night declared a 60-day state of emergency in 10 provinces, citing "serious internal unrest" caused by nationwide protests against the government's decision to scrap diesel subsidies.

The presidential office said in a statement that the emergency aims to preserve public order, internal security and the well-being of citizens.

Under the decree, the right to assemble is suspended, and public gatherings are banned if they could disrupt essential services or threaten public safety. The armed forces and national police are authorized to deploy as needed to maintain order and prevent violence.

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Officials said the emergency declaration comes in response to escalating unrest and road blockades in the affected provinces. Authorities reported violent incidents, including attacks and abductions targeting security forces, damage to property, and the seizure of cargo vehicles.

The move follows renewed calls from the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador, the largest indigenous organization in the country, to intensify demonstrations now in their 13th day.

Protesters are demanding the repeal of Decree 126, which eliminated the diesel subsidy and raised prices from 1.80 U.S. dollars to 2.80 dollars per gallon on Sept. 12, drawing strong opposition from transport unions, indigenous communities, labor groups, and other sectors.