The Coup of 1973 in Chile was a military takeover that occurred on September 11, 1973. It resulted in the overthrow of the democratically elected president, Salvador Allende, who had been in office since 1970. The coup was led by General Augusto Pinochet and was marked by violent clashes and significant loss of life. Following the coup, a military junta was established, and Pinochet became the head of state. His regime was characterized by widespread human rights abuses, including the imprisonment, torture, and disappearance of political opponents. The coup and its aftermath had lasting impacts on Chilean society and politics.