Brigada Lautaro

The Brigada Lautaro was a specialized unit within the DINA intelligence service that operated from the Simon Bolivar headquarters in Santiago beginning in August 1975. It reported directly to DINA director Manuel Contreras and carried out assignments throughout central Chile.

This unit was formed in April 1974 initially as a security detail for DINA leadership and military officials before evolving into an operational force. Its activities shaped state repression methods in Chile until the end of military rule.

The Simon Bolivar Memorial, opened in 2016, documents this unit's activities through exhibits and archives available to the public. Visitors can explore historical records and learn about the events that shaped this period of the nation's past.

The memorial site is accessible to visitors and provides information about this period of Chilean history. Before visiting, it helps to learn about the historical context and allow sufficient time to view the materials at a comfortable pace.

This unit employed specific technical methods in its operations that marked an advancement in repression techniques during that era. These practices reveal how state machinery adapted specialized approaches during this period of the nation's history.

Location: Chile

Part of: Dirección de Inteligencia Nacional

GPS coordinates: -33.44063,-70.63546

Latest update: December 10, 2025 09:00