Chile

In the 60s, the U.S. engaged in covert action in Chile to prevent left-wing candidates from attaining power. First, the CIA simply channeled funds to political parties, but the situation escalated in 1970 when Salvador Allende — a Marxist — was elected president. Witnesses place known CIA operatives at the scene of coup planning shortly before Allende was overthrown in 1973. The U.S. government subsequently supported the military regime of the coup leader, General Pinochet.