<p><br /> Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa has vowed to punish those he accuses of trying to overthrow the government.<br /> </p><p><br /> The 47-year-old leftist leader was rescued from protesting police during a military raid.<br /> </p><p><br /> He was attacked by officers demonstrating against cuts to their bonuses and frozen promotions when he tried to talk to them on Thursday.<br /> </p><p><br /> The president had to be shepherded away after tear gas was fired in a crowd, leaving him temporarily injured.<br /> </p><p><br /> Troops then returned him to his palace after hospital treatment.<br /> </p><p><br /> Two policemen died in the violent end to the stand-off that has shaken the South American nation and brought a terrent of international condemnation from the White House to Havana.<br /> </p><p><br /> Sitting in the yellow room of the national palace, Correa made a public address and said of the protestors: "These people made the institution look so bad that they attacked their co-citizens, that they abused the weapons given to them by the society to which they belong, that they dishonoured the police uniform."<br /> </p><p><br /> Of the violence he said: "Don't be fooled: this was a failed attempt at a coup and what they accomplished was that we come out stronger, more determined and more united than ever. We will overcome comrade."<br /> </p><p><br /> The local Red Cross said two police died as troops stormed the building. At least 88 people were injured throughout the unrest.<br /> </p>
