DINA (National Intelligence Directorate)

The DINA (National Intelligence Directorate) was a secret police and intelligence agency in Chile, active from 1974 to 1977 during Augusto Pinochet's dictatorship. Its role was to gather information on political opponents, suppress dissent, and maintain security for the regime. The agency was involved in clandestine operations, including surveillance, interrogations, and human rights abuses. It was disbanded in 1977, replaced by other security institutions. Overall, DINA was a key tool for the military government to preserve its power through covert and often controversial means.