In pictures: The military coup in Chile

Salvador Allende speaking at a Chilean Communist Party' meeting

On 11 September 1973 President Salvador Allende of Chile - the world's first democratically-elected Marxist head of state - died in a revolt led by the armed forces. After coming to power in 1970, he introduced a number of economic reforms, including the nationalisation of the mining industry, that angered the opposition and the US government of the time.

Copper mine workers demonstrate in the streets of Santiago

President Allende's attempts to re-structure the nation's economy led to soaring inflation and food shortages. A series of strikes paralysed the country and left the capital isolated in the tense days that preceded the coup.

General Augusto Pinochet (left) poses with Chilean president Salvador Allende

In August 1973, President Allende brought senior army officers into his government in an attempt to head off a revolt. At this time Gen Augusto Pinochet (left) was appointed the head of the army.

Aides and members of the presidency of former Socialist President Salvador Allende being guarded by soldiers outside La Moneda presidential palace in Santiago

The two major opposition parties called for the president's resignation and although Mr Allende called on his followers to support him, there appeared to be little organised resistance.

Chilean Army troops positioned on a rooftop fire on the La Moneda Palace in Santiago

Air Force planes attacked the presidential palace with rockets and bombs and tanks opened fire after the president rejected an initial demand for his resignation.

Armed guards watch out for attackers

According to military sources, President Allende asked for a five-minute ceasefire in order to resign but the armed forces said that was impossible because snipers loyal to the president were operating from buildings near the presidential palace.

The Chilean presidential palace La Moneda under fire during the coup

At least 17 bombs were dropped in an attack on the palace, one of which scored a direct hit. President Allende shot himself as troops stormed the building.

Chilean soldiers patrol in the capital city

Martial law was declared throughout the country, a curfew imposed, and the carrying of guns was banned.

General Augusto Pinochet waves from the motorcade 11 September 1973 in Santiago

Gen Augusto Pinochet, the Chilean commander-in-chief and a member of the military junta, appointed himself the new president. His cabinet was made up almost entirely of military men.

Chilean soldiers patrol the streets of the capital city

Reports alleged thousands had died - but the military junta said fewer than 100 people lost their lives in the CIA -backed uprising.

The presidential palace La Moneda is guarded by Chilean military

Gen Pinochet ruled for 17 years, during which more than 3,000 political opponents were killed or "disappeared" by the military.