The Other 911 - Part 3/6

Summary

The transcript recounts a dramatic account of a military coup, with intense machine gun fire and aerial bombardment targeting the presidential palace, La Moneda. Amidst the chaos, a young man loses his arm, and Pinochet, fearing a rival's escape, faces a moral dilemma on whether to bomb the palace. The narrative describes the emotional decision to evacuate women, including Pinochet's pregnant daughter, and the harrowing experience of the bombing that surprisingly caused no casualties but left the palace ablaze, threatening the lives of the remaining defenders. The summary captures the tension, fear, and the human element of a turbulent historical event.

Takeaways

• 🔫 Heavy gunfire was experienced in the vicinity with a large machine gun firing close by, almost polishing someone's boots.
• 💔 Casualties occurred, though not within the speaker's unit, but in other units and the Ministry of Defense building was also targeted.
• 🏢 The signing event was disrupted by an exchange of shootings, with the sound of breaking glass and a young man severely injured, losing his arm.
• 🛡️ Despite being outnumbered, the military advanced and La Moneda (presidential palace) was held by a small group of defenders.
• 🚨 Pinochet was concerned about Allende gaining time to potentially escape, and a meeting was called to discuss the situation.
• 🚫 There was a reluctance to have any 'dead heroes', indicating a desire to avoid unnecessary sacrifices.
• 👨‍👧‍👧 Pinochet insisted that all women, including his daughters, should leave the palace for their safety.
• 👋 Emotional farewells took place as Pinochet expressed gratitude to his staff for their support almost to the end.
• 🚶‍♀️ The women left the palace by a side exit, facing real danger and an eerie silence after the constant noise of conflict.
• ⏰ There was a delay in the expected aerial bombing, causing tension and anticipation among those waiting.
• 🎵 A radio appeal prompted the coup plotters into action, leading to the aerial attack that was expected to wipe out the defenders.
• 🚀 The British-built Hawker Hunter fighters launched rockets with remarkable accuracy, delivering a clear message of unity and determination among the armed forces.
• 🔥 The bombing started a fierce blaze, causing fear for those inside the palace, but miraculously no casualties were reported from the bombing itself.
• 🔥🔥 A massive fire threatened the lives of those inside the palace, with everything catching fire and the situation becoming dire.
• 🆘 There was an urgent call for surrender to avoid a massacre, as the fire was advancing and the situation was becoming life-threatening.

Q & A

What was the situation described at the beginning of the transcript?

The situation described was intense, with a machine gun firing nearby and causing casualties. The Ministry of Defense building was also under fire from IND supporters.

What does 'IND' refer to in the context of the transcript?

The transcript does not provide explicit information about what 'IND' stands for. It could be an abbreviation for a group or organization involved in the conflict.

Why was Pinochet concerned about A Yenta gaining time?

Pinochet was concerned that A Yenta might escape again, indicating that A Yenta was likely a significant figure who Pinochet wanted to capture or neutralize.

What was the emotional moment described involving Pinochet and his staff?

The emotional moment was when Pinochet decided to stay in the palace during the impending aerial bombing, and his staff decided to stay with him, showing loyalty and camaraderie.

Why did Hyundai insist that all the women, including his daughters, should leave?

Hyundai insisted on the women leaving to ensure their safety, especially considering the imminent danger of aerial bombing and the fact that one of his daughters was seven months pregnant.

What was the significance of the pro-government radio station's appeal?

The pro-government radio station's appeal prompted the people of Santiago to march and support the president, which in turn spurred the coup plotters into action.

How did the aerial bombing affect the palace and its occupants?

The aerial bombing caused a fierce blaze in the palace, threatening the lives of everyone inside with a massive fire that could have resulted in a massacre had they not surrendered.

What was the outcome of the bombing in terms of casualties?

Miraculously, the bombing itself caused no casualties in the palace, but the ensuing fire posed a significant threat to the lives of those inside.

What was the final decision made by the occupants of the palace after the bombing?

The final decision was to surrender and give themselves up to avoid a potential massacre and to escape the advancing fire within the palace.

How did the British-built Hawker Hunter fighters contribute to the situation?

The British-built Hawker Hunter fighters fired 18 rockets into the palace with remarkable accuracy, demonstrating the Armed Forces' unity and determination.

What was the psychological impact of the bombing on the people?

The bombing was a form of psychological warfare, intended to show anyone with ideas of resistance that they would be met with overwhelming force and determination.

Outlines

00:00

🚨 Civil Unrest and Military Conflict

The first paragraph describes a chaotic scene of civil unrest and military conflict. There's a vivid account of a machine gun firing near the narrator's location, causing fear and potential injury. Casualties are mentioned, though not within the narrator's unit. The Ministry of Defense building is also under attack. Amidst the violence, a young man is described as being severely injured, losing his arm. Despite the overwhelming odds, a military advance on a location called 'La Moneda' is mentioned, held by a small group of defenders. The narrative then shifts to the concern of a figure named Pinochet, who is worried about a potential escape of a person referred to as 'A Yenta'. There's a tense moment where Pinochet calls a meeting with his staff, expressing his reluctance to have 'dead heroes'. The emotional narrative continues with the insistence of women, including Pinochet's daughters, to leave the area for safety, despite initial resistance. The paragraph concludes with the departure of the women from the palace amidst the imminent threat of aerial bombing, leaving behind a sense of foreboding and uncertainty.

05:03

💥 Aerial Bombing and the Struggle for Survival

The second paragraph continues the narrative of the intense situation, focusing on the anticipation and execution of an aerial bombing on the presidential palace. The account begins with the suspense of waiting for an attack that was expected to be devastating. The narrator describes the experience of witnessing the planes and the rockets, feeling the impact of the explosions, and the immediate aftermath of shattered windows and powerful noise. Despite the intensity, there is a moment of relief when the narrator realizes they were not harmed beyond the loss of their shoes. The British-built Hawker Hunter fighters are specifically mentioned for their precision in firing rockets into the palace. The bombing is portrayed as a clear message of unity and ruthless determination from the Armed Forces. The narrative then shifts to the psychological impact of the bombing, suggesting it was intended to deter any support for 'Perseus'. The paragraph concludes with the dramatic account of a fire that threatens the lives of those inside the palace, with no apparent escape route. The situation escalates to a point where the narrator and others consider surrendering to avoid a certain massacre, highlighting the desperation and dire circumstances they faced.

Keywords

💡Machine gun

A machine gun is a fully automatic mounted or portable firearm designed to fire rounds in quick succession from a large-caliber cartridge. In the video's context, it symbolizes the intensity of the conflict, as the narrator describes a machine gun firing close by, almost polishing his boots, indicating the proximity and danger of the situation.

💡Casualties

Casualties refer to people who are killed, wounded, or otherwise incapacitated as a result of a conflict or accident. The script mentions casualties to underscore the human cost and the severity of the situation, with the narrator confirming that there were casualties, though not in his unit, highlighting the widespread nature of the violence.

💡Ministry of Defense building

This term refers to the official building that houses the administrative offices of a country's defense department. In the script, the Ministry of Defense building is mentioned as coming under fire, indicating a direct attack on a central institution of the state, which is a key event in the narrative of the conflict.

💡Exchange of shootings

This phrase describes a situation where opposing sides are firing at each other in a conflict. The script uses this term to describe the chaotic and dangerous environment during the events, with the sound of gunfire being very close by, emphasizing the immediacy and danger of the situation.

💡Defenders

Defenders in this context are individuals or groups who are protecting a location or idea from attack. The script mentions a small band of defenders holding up La Moneda, the presidential palace, against overwhelming numbers, illustrating the determination and resistance of a group despite being outnumbered.

💡Pinochet

Augusto Pinochet was a Chilean general and politician who led a military coup in 1973. In the script, Pinochet's concern about someone escaping and his decision to call a meeting with his staff are mentioned, showing his role as a key figure in the unfolding events and his strategic considerations during the crisis.

💡Aerial bombing

Aerial bombing refers to the act of dropping explosive bombs from an aircraft to cause destruction on the ground. The script describes the anticipation of aerial bombing, which adds to the tension and fear experienced by the characters, as they prepare for an attack that could wipe them out.

💡Hawker Hunter

The Hawker Hunter is a British jet fighter aircraft that was used by several air forces during the Cold War. In the script, the British-built Hawker Hunter fighters are mentioned as firing rockets into the palace with remarkable accuracy, demonstrating the technological prowess and precision of the military forces involved in the attack.

💡Shockwave

A shockwave is a powerful wave of increased pressure that moves through a medium, often caused by an explosion. The script describes the experience of a shockwave from the bombing, which physically affected the narrator, lifting them off the floor and causing disorientation, illustrating the force of the attack.

💡Psychological warfare

Psychological warfare involves the use of propaganda, threats, or other means to influence the minds of the enemy or the general population. The script suggests that the bombing was a form of psychological warfare, intended to send a clear message of the military's unity and determination to anyone considering resistance.

💡Surrender

Surrender is the act of giving up resistance and admitting defeat in a conflict. In the script, the idea of surrender is presented as a last resort to avoid a massacre, reflecting the desperate situation and the recognition of the overwhelming force against them.

Highlights

Machine gun firing incidentally polished the narrator's boots and resulted in casualties.

Ministry of Defense building was under fire from IND supporters.

Close proximity of exchange of shootings during the signing event.

Witness account of a young man severely injured with a missing arm.

Despite being outnumbered, the military advanced and La Moneda was defended by a small group.

Pinochet's concern over Allende gaining time to potentially escape.

Unexpected decision by the Air Force to bomb the presidential palace.

Emotional moment as Pinochet and his staff decide to stay during the impending bombing.

Hyundai's insistence on women, including his daughters, leaving the scene.

Tense farewell as Pinochet thanks his staff for their support.

The silence following the departure from La Moneda, contrasting the previous chaos.

The delay and uncertainty of the aerial bombing's commencement.

The psychological impact of the bombing on the population and its intended message.

The British-built Hawker Hunter fighters' precision in firing rockets into the palace.

Unexpected survival of the palace's occupants despite the bombing.

The fire that threatened the lives of those inside post-bombing.

The desperate situation and the call for surrender to prevent further loss of life.

Transcripts

having personally edible there was a big

machine gun firing there's almost

polished my boots and we took casualties

that's for sure

not in my unit but in other

the Ministry of Defense building also

came under fire from IND supporters all

of the signing there was an exchange of

shootings very close by I heard the

glass of the window broken and I looked

to my side

and there is a young man full of pain

and blood and well his arm was gone

despite overwhelming numbers the

military advanced on la moneda was held

up by a and a small band of defenders

Pinochet was very concerned that a Yenta

was gaining time and he may escape again

they did not think that the Air Force

would dare to bomb the presidential

palace but he decided to call a meeting

with his staff it doesn't appear you

know so then he asked us to leave said

he didn't want any dead heroes that was

a very emotional moment because he said

he was going to stay well and all of us

decided we were going to stay stay there

with him

but Hyundai insisted that all the women

including his two daughters should leave

it not idea but mother he didn't want

any of the women to be there least of

all us his daughters one of whom was

seven months pregnant so he asked us to

leave once twice and of course our

initial reaction was to refuse real sad

it was a moment so I end day then said

to me she listens to you please tell her

to go happy now and be someone in the

end we realized that this was causing

him real anguish and we decided not to

make a bad situation even worse by

staying so finally my sister Becky said

when I think we have to go

you'll meanwhile after he came down with

us to the door he wanted to be there

himself with us unto the end and there

we hugged and kissed but I never thought

it would be the last time when the safe

be really no solder when he said goodbye

to us there doorbot ago he had a word of

gratitude and of farewell for each of us

for accompanying him almost to the end

Garcia Athena with only seconds

remaining before the aerial bombing was

due to commence the women left the

palace by a side exit

one door abandon a when we left la

moneda we were thrown into real danger

a little more

until mentor del rio before there had

been the constant noise the shots the

firing and now just a ghostly silence

innocent ejecta during that walk death

could have come at any second I've never

known my life in such danger as at that

moment

[Music]

eleven o'clock arrived but the planes

did not come the military commanders

were split on whether to bomb the palace

with the US Embassy in a hotel full of

foreign journalists across the square it

was a risky strategy almost an hour

passed but when a pro-government radio

station made an appeal to the people of

Santiago to march and laminate and save

the president the coup plotters were

prompted into action

when all sort of pants hour come well we

felt that the aerial attack was going to

wipe us out

that's what we expected any almost any

scene when doing when the planes flew

over we could see them every time they

came from over the map Ojo river we

could see when they launched the Rockets

we could see the Rockets coming

pimento vivo indicate to me Roger

when the first rocket fell there was a

big explosion and the window shattered

and the noise was pretty powerful in

there Sonya you know I remember we'd

thrown ourselves to the floor and that

the vibrations lifted us right off it

and there was smoke everywhere you know

just aureolin ammonia the planes flew

over laminator the first rocket came in

you could hear the whistle of the

missile and the shockwave through me up

into the air thought that I've been

wounded but as the smoke cleared I

realized that the shock wave but simply

told me he loved my shoes without doing

me any other harm

the British built Hawker hunter fighters

fired 18 rockets into the palace with

remarkable accuracy the message was

clear to a yen day and to the country

the Armed Forces were united and

ruthlessly determined they were Chara

not the bottom this wasn't necessarily

done to frighten the population to show

anybody who had the idea for Perseus

that they'd be put down with all the

strength and weapons at our disposal II

got purple Denis Hannah it was a

psychological nationalism

de la manera passengers I mean people

throw a lure on the Thermage may be

located the bombing had started a fierce

blaze and witnesses feared the worst for

those still inside the palace media said

last weekend I looked back to la moneda

I looked and there was smoke coming out

of the palace but that's all I could see

I thought that all those inside and died

[Music]

Jamarcus area the flames could be seen

several metres above the rooftop then

also imagine that we didn't think that

any of our comrades had survived yeah

well input then we felt completely

powerless did not worry less him now

miraculously the bombing had caused no

casualties in the palace but the fire

that was now taking hold threatened the

lives of everyone inside brought you at

all

so given everything everything caught

fire curtains huge fire balls carpets

furniture everything was booming

so the fire was advancing and in another

half hour we'd have all burnt alive we

didn't have a way out

you know momento and Empress then I and

I said give yourselves up

surrender give yourselves up because

this is going to be a massacre we're all

going to die