THE annual march in the Chilean capital Santiago in memory of those killed and “disappeared” in the United States-backed coup in Chile in 1973 on Sunday was attacked by 50 masked thugs.

Thousands were attacked with Molotov cocktails and stones as they marched through the capital marking 50 years since the bloody September 11 coup, which installed the brutal dictator General Augusto Pinochet.

It is estimated that there were more than 40,000 victims of Pinochet’s regime, including those killed, detained, disappeared and tortured.

Attacks on the peaceful remembrance of the coup’s victims also took place in other parts of Santiago including the Tirso de Molina Market and the General Cemetery, where marchers clashed with a hooded group.

Authorities reported that three police officers had been injured in the attack.

Chilean President Gabriel Boric posted on the X social network: “As President of the Republic, I categorically condemn these acts without any nuance. The irrationality of attacking what Allende and so many other democrats fought for is vile and petty.”

The country has been placed on alert as commemorative events were set to be held across Chile. 

President Boric led a ceremony in Santiago today to mark the anniversary of the coup, with leaders from other Latin American nations due to attend. Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador of Mexico, Gustavo Petro of Bolivia and Uruguayan leader Luis Arce.

Brazil’s Luiz Inacio “Lula” da Silva and Argentina’s Alberto Fernandez were unable to attend for scheduling reasons.

Last week, along with former presidents Eduardo Frei Ruiz-Tagle, Ricardo Lagos, Sebastian Pinera and Michelle Bachelet, Mr Boric signed a declaration, which committed the country to “making the defence and promotion of human rights a value shared by our entire political and social community.”