Pinochet, the undisputed leader of the junta, announces his intent to continue one-man rule and to shepherd the country back to a "protected" democracy. The junta purges Chile of Allende's political influence, closing Congress, censoring the media, purging the universities, and banning Marxist parties and unions. Thousands of civilians are allegedly murdered, jailed, tortured, or exiled for their suspected opposition views.

In September, Orlando Letelier, the Chilean Ambassador to the U.S. under Allende, is killed by a car bomb in Washington D.C. The attack, allegedly the work of Pinochet's secret police, sparks international uproar and a referendum on Pinochet's rule. Chile claims over 75 percent vote to endorse the military government.