Chile Coup: Pinochet Overthrows Allende; Allende Dies

On September 11, 1973, Chilean military forces led by General Augusto Pinochet bombed La Moneda presidential palace and overthrew Salvador Allende. Allende died in the palace—officially by suicide, disputed by some. Pinochet's regime killed at least 3,200 people, tortured 40,000, and forced 200,000 into exile. US involvement was confirmed by declassified CIA documents, though the extent of direct coordination on September 11 remains debated.