Chile’s Pinochet Escapes Ambush, Government Says
Suspected leftist rebels ambushed President Augusto Pinochet’s motorcade Sunday night with hand grenades and automatic weapons, killing one escort and injuring at least seven others, government radio said.
Pinochet was not hurt in the attack, Radio Nacional said.
The attack occurred around 6:30 p.m. as Pinochet’s limousine and escort vehicles were traveling through Maipo Canyon, 25 miles southeast of Santiago, en route from the general’s country home in Melocoton, according to the government news agency ORBE and the state television network.
Both said the 70-year-old president arrived safely at his residence in Santiago as a large security force launched a search through the canyon for the assailants.
Those reports said there was a bomb explosion and then gunfire as the presidential limousine escorted by military vehicles crossed the Manzano Bridge over the Maipo River.
About 90 minutes after the attack, a man telephoned the Associated Press and said the attack was carried out by members of the Manuel Rodriguez Patriotic Front, a Communist guerrilla group.
“The front has not died,” he said. “We failed this time, but we will not fail next time.”
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
