Flashback: Caravan of Death

President Pinochet (right) came to power shortly before killings

For a few days in October 1973, a self-styled military "delegation" toured provincial cities in northern and southern Chile, killing dozens of political opponents of General Augusto Pinochet's September coup.

Many of the victims of what became known as the "Caravan of Death" had voluntarily turned themselves into the military authorities.

Prisoners were taken from their cells and summarily executed, often without the knowledge or consent of the local military authorities.

More than 3,000 opponents died or disappeared during the Pinochet years

At least 72 people were killed and memories of the "caravan" endure as one of the most notorious episodes of human rights abuse during Chile's military rule.

Analysts say the events set the seal on Chile's long military dictatorship.

The army unit travelled from town to town in a Puma helicopter, armed with grenades, machine guns and knives.

Trail of terror

The Puma landed in Cauquenes, La Serena, Copiapo, Antofagasta, Calama in northern Chile and at least one southern city.

Officially, the delegation's mandate had been to "review the War Council proceedings for political prisoners in the regions and bring procedures there in line with Santiago standards".

Supporters of the campaign to bring General Pinochet to justice for abuses during his 1973-1990 rule say he had clear responsibility for the slaughter, sending a close associate to head the "delegation".

Lawyers for the former ruler say the 85-year-old is in poor health and is unable to mount a proper defence.

He "never ordered any executions much less kidnappings," says Pinochet lawyer Ricardo Rivadeneira.