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.