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The [[MIR (Revolutionary Left Movement, Chile)]], Manuel Rodríguez Patriotic Front and other Left Wing guerillas waged a revolutionary war in Chile from 1965 until 1989. The Chilean Left Wing guerrillas initially advocated revolution to overthrow the longest-standing democracy in Latin America in order to establish a Communist dictatorship.<ref>"The Movement of the Revolutionary Left (MIR) waged a revolutionary terrorist struggle in Chile from 1965 until 1989. The MIR initially advocated revolution to overthrow the longest-standing democracy in Latin America in order to establish a Marxist regime." World Terrorism: An Encyclopedia of Political Violence from Ancient Times to the Post-9/11 Era, James Ciment, p. 196, Routledge, 2015</ref>By 1969, the MIR had developed an underground structure of armed platoons across Chile. These platoons began to rob banks to fund operations, giving some stolen money to the poor in a propaganda move. At its strongest in 1970, the MIR had some 40,00 members. As the threat of a military coup increased, the MIR helped Allende build up militias in order to fight off the Chilean Army.

The [[MIR (Revolutionary Left Movement, Chile)]], Manuel Rodríguez Patriotic Front and other Left Wing guerillas waged a revolutionary war in Chile from 1965 until 1989. The Chilean Left Wing guerrillas initially advocated revolution to overthrow the longest-standing democracy in Latin America in order to establish a Communist dictatorship.<ref>"The Movement of the Revolutionary Left (MIR) waged a revolutionary terrorist struggle in Chile from 1965 until 1989. The MIR initially advocated revolution to overthrow the longest-standing democracy in Latin America in order to establish a Marxist regime." World Terrorism: An Encyclopedia of Political Violence from Ancient Times to the Post-9/11 Era, James Ciment, p. 196, Routledge, 2015</ref> By 1969, the MIR had developed an underground structure of armed platoons across Chile. These platoons began to rob banks to fund operations, giving some stolen money to the poor in a propaganda move. At its strongest in 1970, the MIR had some 40,00 members. As the threat of a military coup increased, the MIR helped Allende build up militias in order to fight off the Chilean Army.

On 4 September 1970, when Chileans elected as president Salvador Allende Gossens a Marxist, the MIR decided to carry out his socialist reforms by force. This resulted in the military coup led by General [[Augusto Pinochet]] on 11 September 1973 who largely defeated the marxist guerrillas and left-wing radicals hidden among the civilian population through detentions, disappearances and counterinsurgency warfare.<ref>"In 1970, when Chile elected as president Salvador Allende a Marxist, the MIR decided to implement his policies by force. This prompted a military coup led by General Augusto Pinochet who struck a blow against the Left from which the MIR never recovered." World Terrorism: An Encyclopedia of Political Violence from Ancient Times to the Post-9/11 Era, James Ciment, p. 196, Routledge, 2015</ref>In late 1974, [[Andrés Pascal Allende]], nephew of the late president Allende Gossens, assumed leadership of the remnants of the MIR and continued to attack military and civilian targets.

On 4 September 1970, when Chileans elected as president Salvador Allende Gossens a Marxist, the MIR decided to carry out his socialist reforms by force. This resulted in the military coup led by General [[Augusto Pinochet]] on 11 September 1973 who largely defeated the marxist guerrillas and left-wing radicals hidden among the civilian population through detentions, disappearances and counterinsurgency warfare.<ref>"In 1970, when Chile elected as president Salvador Allende a Marxist, the MIR decided to implement his policies by force. This prompted a military coup led by General Augusto Pinochet who struck a blow against the Left from which the MIR never recovered." World Terrorism: An Encyclopedia of Political Violence from Ancient Times to the Post-9/11 Era, James Ciment, p. 196, Routledge, 2015</ref> In late 1974, [[Andrés Pascal Allende]], nephew of the late president Allende Gossens, assumed leadership of the remnants of the MIR and continued to attack military and civilian targets.

==Guerrilla warfare==

==Guerrilla warfare==

During the first three months of the [[Augusto Pinochet regime (Chile, 1973–90)]], the Chilean armed forces and carabiniers suffered 162 killed in operations against the Marxist guerrillas and civilian supporters of the ''MIR'' and Chilean Communist Party.<ref>Latin America's Wars: The Age of the Professional Soldier, 1900–2001, Robert L. Scheina, p. 326, Potomac Books, 2003</ref>At least 238 members of the Army, Air Force, Navy and Police (not including private security and prison guards) were killed in the line of duty from 1973 to 1989.<ref>[http://www.todoporchile.com/memorial.htm MEMORIAL

During the first three months of the [[Augusto Pinochet regime (Chile, 1973–90)]], the Chilean armed forces and carabiniers suffered 162 killed in operations against the Marxist guerrillas and civilian supporters of the ''MIR'' and Chilean Communist Party.<ref>Latin America's Wars: The Age of the Professional Soldier, 1900–2001, Robert L. Scheina, p. 326, Potomac Books, 2003</ref> At least 238 members of the Army, Air Force, Navy and Police (not including private security and prison guards) were killed in the line of duty from 1973 to 1989.<ref>[http://www.todoporchile.com/memorial.htm MEMORIAL EN MEMORIA DE AQUELLOS QUE CAYERON DEFENDIENDO A CHILE DE LOS ATAQUES TERRORISTAS, Y DE QUIENES MURIERON DEBIDO AL ACCIONAR DE LOS TERRORISTAS]</ref>  

EN MEMORIA DE AQUELLOS QUE CAYERON DEFENDIENDO A CHILE DE LOS ATAQUES TERRORISTAS, Y DE QUIENES MURIERON DEBIDO AL ACCIONAR DE LOS TERRORISTAS]</ref>  

At the end of March 2013, it was announced that the Chilean government was considering a proposal by parliamentarians to compensate the nearly 30,000 Chilean conscripts mobilized after the Coup d'etat and that remained almost double the expected time in uniform.<ref>[http://www.soychile.cl/Valparaiso/Sociedad/2013/03/26/163252/30-mil-conscriptos-19731990-podrian-recibir-unos-40-millones-de-dolares.aspx Los conscriptos de entre 1973 y 1990 podrían recibir US$ 40 millones de indemnización]</ref>

At the end of March 2013, it was announced that the Chilean government was considering a proposal by parliamentarians to compensate the nearly 30,000 Chilean conscripts mobilized after the Coup d'état and that remained almost double the expected time in uniform.<ref>[http://www.soychile.cl/Valparaiso/Sociedad/2013/03/26/163252/30-mil-conscriptos-19731990-podrian-recibir-unos-40-millones-de-dolares.aspx Los conscriptos de entre 1973 y 1990 podrían recibir US$ 40 millones de indemnización]</ref>

Experts believe that [[Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome]] (PTSD) is behind the 250 reported cases of suicide among former Chilean conscripts, during the last four decades.

Experts believe that [[Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome]] (PTSD) is behind the 250 reported cases of suicide among former Chilean conscripts, during the last four decades.

==Terrorism in the 1970s==  

==Terrorism in the 1970s==  

On 5 February 1970, Left Wing Radical Pedro Lenin Valenzuela attempts to hijack a plane and take it to Cuba. In the resulting gunfight at the Chilean International Aiport, a flight attendant, Scarlet Burgos and a detective are wounded. Valenzuela is killed in the return fire.

On 5 February 1970, Left Wing Radical Pedro Lenin Valenzuela attempts to hijack a plane and take it to Cuba. In the resulting gunfight at the Chilean International Airport, a flight attendant, Scarlet Burgos and a detective are wounded. Valenzuela is killed in the return fire.

On 19 September 1973, Army Private Gerardo León Acuña is killed when he loses control of his military vehicle while on patrol.

On 19 September 1973, Army Private Gerardo León Acuña is killed when he loses control of his military vehicle while on patrol.

On 3 December 1973, MIR guerrillas kill two non-commissioned officers, Corporal Rodolfo Peña Tapia and Luis Collao Salas, and conscript Julio Barahona Aranda from the Chilean Army.

On 3 December 1973, MIR guerrillas kill two non-commissioned officers, Corporal Rodolfo Peña Tapia and Luis Collao Salas, and conscript Julio Barahona Aranda from the Chilean Army.

On 13 December, 1973, two Army Sergeants, Sergio Cannon Lermanda and Pedro Osorio Guerrero are killed while on patrol in Bulnes.

On 13 December 1973, two Army Sergeants, Sergio Cannon Lermanda and Pedro Osorio Guerrero are killed while on patrol in Bulnes.

On 15 December 1973, guerrillas operating in the suburb of La Reina in Santiago, shoot and kill Army Corporal Roberto Barra Martínez.

On 15 December 1973, guerrillas operating in the suburb of La Reina in Santiago, shoot and kill Army Corporal Roberto Barra Martínez.

In the last week of August 1983, General Pinochet reminded army cadets at the Military Academy that ''"The forces of order are waging total war to the death against communism."''<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1356&dat=19840824&id=6LdPAAAAIBAJ&sjid=iwYEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5282,4973824&hl=en  Undercover Police Shoot, Kill 8 Anti-Government Suspects]</ref>

In the last week of August 1983, General Pinochet reminded army cadets at the Military Academy that ''"The forces of order are waging total war to the death against communism."''<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1356&dat=19840824&id=6LdPAAAAIBAJ&sjid=iwYEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5282,4973824&hl=en  Undercover Police Shoot, Kill 8 Anti-Government Suspects]</ref>

On 30 August 1983, guerrillas gun down and kill the Military Governor of Santiago, General Carol Urzúa Ibáñez and his two bodyguards, army corporals Carlos Riveros Bequiarelli and José Domingo Aguayo Franco.<ref>[[https://despiertachile.wordpress.com/2009/08/01/martires-del-terrorismo-17/ Despierta Chile/Mártires del terrorismo]</ref>

On 30 August 1983, guerrillas gun down and kill the Military Governor of Santiago, General Carol Urzúa Ibáñez and his two bodyguards, army corporals Carlos Riveros Bequiarelli and José Domingo Aguayo Franco.<ref>[https://despiertachile.wordpress.com/2009/08/01/martires-del-terrorismo-17/ Despierta Chile/Mártires del terrorismo]</ref>

In October and November 1983, MIR guerrillas detonate bombs against four Chilean companies that do business with the United States.<ref>"...the MIR bombed four offices of US-affiliated corporations in a 10-day period in October and November of 1983..." Historical Dictionary of Terrorism, Stephen Sloan, Sean K. Anderson, p. 447, Scarecrow Press, 2009</ref>

In October and November 1983, MIR guerrillas detonate bombs against four Chilean companies that do business with the United States.<ref>"...the MIR bombed four offices of US-affiliated corporations in a 10-day period in October and November of 1983..." Historical Dictionary of Terrorism, Stephen Sloan, Sean K. Anderson, p. 447, Scarecrow Press, 2009</ref>

On November 4, 1984, five guerrillas in a vehicle attack with automatic weapons and bombs a police station in Santiago, killing two police officers and wounding three more.

On November 4, 1984, five guerrillas in a vehicle attack with automatic weapons and bombs a police station in Santiago, killing two police officers and wounding three more.

On 7 December 7 1984, urban guerrillas kill a policeman and detonate a bomb in a subway station in Santiago, wounding 6 civilians.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1144&dat=19850327&id=48UdAAAAIBAJ&sjid=-GEEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7098,7802793&hl=en Car bomb in Chile damages 2 U.S. banks, luxury hotel]</ref>

On 7 December 7, 1984, urban guerrillas kill a policeman and detonate a bomb in a subway station in Santiago, wounding 6 civilians.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1144&dat=19850327&id=48UdAAAAIBAJ&sjid=-GEEAAAAIBAJ&pg=7098,7802793&hl=en Car bomb in Chile damages 2 U.S. banks, luxury hotel]</ref>

On 18 December 1984, guerrillas plant a bomb in the Intendance of the O'Higgins Region, wounding 12 civilians in the resulting explosion.

On 18 December 1984, guerrillas plant a bomb in the Intendance of the O'Higgins Region, wounding 12 civilians in the resulting explosion.

In all, 866 Left-Wing terrorist attacks take place during 1984 and 1985.<ref>[http://www.country-data.com/cgi-bin/query/r-2562.html Chile Terrorism]</ref>

In all, 866 Left-Wing terrorist attacks take place during 1984 and 1985.<ref>[http://www.country-data.com/cgi-bin/query/r-2562.html Chile Terrorism]</ref>

On 9 January 1986, 12 year-old Rodrigo and his 8 year-old sister Ximena Nanjarí are seriously wounded, when a leftist bomb planted in Valparaíso explodes.<ref>[http://www.todoporchile.com/noticias/recordando.htm Reordando]</ref>

On 9 January 1986, 12 year-old Rodrigo and his 8-year-old sister Ximena Nanjarí are seriously wounded, when a leftist bomb planted in Valparaíso explodes.<ref>[http://www.todoporchile.com/noticias/recordando.htm Reordando]</ref>

On 5 February 1986, a MIR car bomb in downtown Santiago destroys a police bus, killing Sergeant Luis Rival Valdés, Corporal José Arias Cerda, Carabiniers Héctor López Acosta, Misael Martínez Cortés and wounding eleven policemen.<ref>[http://www.todoporchile.com/noticias/recordando.htm Recordando]</ref>

On 5 February 1986, a MIR car bomb in downtown Santiago destroys a police bus, killing Sergeant Luis Rival Valdés, Corporal José Arias Cerda, Carabiniers Héctor López Acosta, Misael Martínez Cortés and wounding eleven policemen.<ref>[http://www.todoporchile.com/noticias/recordando.htm Recordando]</ref>

On 17 February 1986, two trains collide in the Limache area killing 60 civilians and injuring at least 500 because the area had been reduced to only one railway line, after guerrillas had destroyed the nearby bridge.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=V4kxAAAAIBAJ&sjid=66UFAAAAIBAJ&pg=2445,4396106&dq=&hl=en Pinochet warns terrorists after two-train crash kills 58]</ref>

On 17 February 1986, two trains collide in the Limache area killing 60 civilians and injuring at least 500 because the area had been reduced to only one railway line, after guerrillas had destroyed the nearby bridge.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=V4kxAAAAIBAJ&sjid=66UFAAAAIBAJ&pg=2445,4396106&dq=&hl=en Pinochet warns terrorists after two-train crash kills 58]</ref>

On 26 February 1986, leftist terrorists shoot and kill carabineer Lieutenant Alfonso Mauricio Rivera López in downtown Santiago. <ref>"Informe de la Comisión Nacional de verdad y Reconciliación" Tomo 2 pp. 686</ref><ref>[http://www.todoporchile.com/noticias/recordando.htm Recordando]</ref>

On 26 February 1986, leftist terrorists shoot and kill carabineer Lieutenant Alfonso Mauricio Rivera López in downtown Santiago.<ref>"Informe de la Comisión Nacional de verdad y Reconciliación" Tomo 2 pp. 686</ref><ref>[http://www.todoporchile.com/noticias/recordando.htm Recordando]</ref>

On 2 April 1986 businessman Simón Yévenes is shot and killed in downtown Santiago by guerrillas of the Manuel Rodríguez Patriotic Front.

On 2 April 1986 businessman Simón Yévenes is shot and killed in downtown Santiago by guerrillas of the Manuel Rodríguez Patriotic Front.

On 29 April 1986, four FPMR guerrillas using the cover of a stolen taxi approach a military checkpoint in the suburb of Ñuñoa in Santiago and shoot and wound Army Sergeant Miguel Valenzuela Valenzuela, Corporal Ricardo Vergara Tapia and Privates Gustavo Orellana Quijada and Osvaldo Muñoz Lagos.<ref>[http://www.todoporchile.com/noticias/recordando.htm Recordando]</ref>

On 29 April 1986, four FPMR guerrillas using the cover of a stolen taxi approach a military checkpoint in the suburb of Ñuñoa in Santiago and shoot and wound Army Sergeant Miguel Valenzuela Valenzuela, Corporal Ricardo Vergara Tapia and Privates Gustavo Orellana Quijada and Osvaldo Muñoz Lagos.<ref>[http://www.todoporchile.com/noticias/recordando.htm Recordando]</ref>

On 1 May 1986, Left Wing Guerrillas or Radicals in Valparaiso attack with sulfuric acid passengers in a bus, seriously injuring six civilians, including two children.<ref>Terrorist Group Profiles, p. 98, DIANE Publishing, 1989</ref><ref>[http://www.todoporchile.com/noticias/recordando.htm Recordando]</ref>That same day, an army platoon in downtown Santiago suffers two seriously wounded, Corporals Oscar Figueroa Urrutia and Roberto Opazo Tunaca, when their patrol is attacked with fire-bombs.<ref>[http://www.todoporchile.com/noticias/recordando.htm Recordando]</ref>

On 1 May 1986, Left Wing Guerrillas or Radicals in Valparaiso attack with sulfuric acid passengers in a bus, seriously injuring six civilians, including two children.<ref>Terrorist Group Profiles, p. 98, DIANE Publishing, 1989</ref><ref>[http://www.todoporchile.com/noticias/recordando.htm Recordando]</ref> That same day, an army platoon in downtown Santiago suffers two seriously wounded, Corporals Oscar Figueroa Urrutia and Roberto Opazo Tunaca, when their patrol is attacked with fire-bombs.<ref>[http://www.todoporchile.com/noticias/recordando.htm Recordando]</ref>

On 4 May 1986, FMPR terrorists raid the San Miguel bus depot in Santiago. The night watchman Fernando Guzmán Vega who confronts them is shot and left a paraplegic in the attack.<ref>[http://www.todoporchile.com/noticias/recordando.htm Recordando]</ref>

On 4 May 1986, FMPR terrorists raid the San Miguel bus depot in Santiago. The night watchman Fernando Guzmán Vega who confronts them is shot and left a paraplegic in the attack.<ref>[http://www.todoporchile.com/noticias/recordando.htm Recordando]</ref>

According to Chilean historian [[Luis Heinecke Scott]], ''"what was wanted to be implemented here was a guerrilla war in the style of those produced in Nicaragua or El Salvador, a prolonged people's war, and that was what communism failed to do, thanks to the discoveries of Carrizal Low.''<ref>Las Ardientes Cenizas del Olvido: Vía Chilena de Reconciliación Política 1932-1994, Brian Loveman, Elizabeth Lira, p. 472, Lom Ediciones, 2000</ref>

According to Chilean historian [[Luis Heinecke Scott]], ''"what was wanted to be implemented here was a guerrilla war in the style of those produced in Nicaragua or El Salvador, a prolonged people's war, and that was what communism failed to do, thanks to the discoveries of Carrizal Low.''<ref>Las Ardientes Cenizas del Olvido: Vía Chilena de Reconciliación Política 1932-1994, Brian Loveman, Elizabeth Lira, p. 472, Lom Ediciones, 2000</ref>

In the last week of August 1986, guerrillas operating in Santiago and Valparaíso detonate 13 bombs and kill a police officer and wound 4 soldiers near the National Stadium.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1314&dat=19860430&id=Cl5WAAAAIBAJ&sjid=DfADAAAAIBAJ&pg=2849,9234595&hl=en Bomb blasts wall at U.S. Embassy compound in Chile]</ref>And in the suburb of Puente Alto in Santiago, five leftists try to set fire to a bus, shooting and killing the driver, Francisco Guzmán Núñez, who opposed them.<ref>[http://www.todoporchile.com/noticias/recordando.htm Reordando]</ref>

In the last week of August 1986, guerrillas operating in Santiago and Valparaíso detonate 13 bombs and kill a police officer and wound 4 soldiers near the National Stadium.<ref>[https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1314&dat=19860430&id=Cl5WAAAAIBAJ&sjid=DfADAAAAIBAJ&pg=2849,9234595&hl=en Bomb blasts wall at U.S. Embassy compound in Chile]</ref> And in the suburb of Puente Alto in Santiago, five leftists try to set fire to a bus, shooting and killing the driver, Francisco Guzmán Núñez, who opposed them.<ref>[http://www.todoporchile.com/noticias/recordando.htm Reordando]</ref>

In October 1986, MIR guerrillas attack a police station in Limache with gunfire, seriously wounding five policemen, with one carabinier later dying because of his wounds.  

In October 1986, MIR guerrillas attack a police station in Limache with gunfire, seriously wounding five policemen, with one carabinier later dying because of his wounds.  

On 20 January 1988, a bomb planted by MIR guerrillas in the Capredena Medical Center in Valparaiso kills a 65-year-old female pensioner (Berta Rosa Pardo Muñoz) and wounds 15 other women.

On 20 January 1988, a bomb planted by MIR guerrillas in the Capredena Medical Center in Valparaiso kills a 65-year-old female pensioner (Berta Rosa Pardo Muñoz) and wounds 15 other women.

On January 26 1988, MIR guerrillas plant six TNT charges in a house in La Cisterna, killing 42-year-old Major Julio Eladio Benimeli Ruz, commander of the carabiniers special operations group.

On January 26, 1988, MIR guerrillas plant six TNT charges in a house in La Cisterna, killing 42-year-old Major Julio Eladio Benimeli Ruz, commander of the carabiniers special operations group.

In June 1988, MIR guerrillas conduct a series of bombings in Santiago, damaging several banks. That month, FPMR guerrillas kill 43-year-old Lieutenant-Colonel Miguel Eduardo Rojas Lobos of the Chilean Army, after he had parked his car in the Santiago suburb of San Joaquín.

In June 1988, MIR guerrillas conduct a series of bombings in Santiago, damaging several banks. That month, FPMR guerrillas kill 43-year-old Lieutenant-Colonel Miguel Eduardo Rojas Lobos of the Chilean Army, after he had parked his car in the Santiago suburb of San Joaquín.