News In Brief

Chilean troops try to block anti-Pinochet demonstrations

Chile's military government has stepped up security operations in poor areas of the capital to try to deter people from taking part in protests called by opponents of President Augusto Pinochet this week.

The protests, called by opposition political parties, trade unions, and social organizations are the first major challenge to Pinochet's crackdown on political unrest which began with the imposition of a state of siege almost three weeks ago.