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Other Names
Description Founded in 1983 as the armed wing of the Chilean Communist Party and named for
the hero of Chile's war of independence against Spain. Splintered into two
factions in the late 1980s, and one faction became a political party in 1991.
The dissident wing FPMR/D is Chile's only remaining active terrorist group.
Activities FPMR/D attacks civilians and international targets, including US businesses and
Mormon churches. In 1993, FPMR/D bombed two McDonald's restaurants and attempted
to bomb a Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant. Successful government
counterterrorist operations have undercut the organization significantly. Four
FPMR/D members escaped from prison using a helicopter in December 1996. One of
them, Patricio Ortiz Montenegro, fled to Switzerland where he requested
political asylum. Chile requested Ortiz's extradition, but the Swiss
Government--fearing Chile would not safeguard Ortiz's physical and psychological
well-being--denied the request. Chilean authorities continued to pursue the
whereabouts of the three others who escaped with Ortiz.
Strength Now believed to have between 50 and 100 members.
