The U.S. Invaded Panama to Remove Manuel Noriega

In the early hours of December 20, 1989, the U.S. Army spearheaded a sweeping assault that overwhelmed the Panamanian Defense Forces of dictator General Manuel Noriega. Codenamed Operation Just Cause, the offensive was ordered by President George H. W. Bush and committed nearly 26,000 combat troops, making it the largest American military operation since the Vietnam War.

Noriega, once tied to U.S. intelligence, had been indicted on drug trafficking charges and had annulled Panama’s 1989 elections. The invasion aimed to protect American lives, restore democracy, seize Noriega for trial, and safeguard the Panama Canal Treaty.

Major combat lasted only days, but capturing Noriega took weeks.

Noriega evaded capture and took refuge in the Vatican embassy, where U.S. forces blasted loud rock music to pressure him out. He surrendered on January 3, 1990, was flown to the United States, and in 1992 was convicted on drug, racketeering, and money-laundering counts.