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This Day in History, Dec 20 – Operation Just Cause



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It was 29 years ago today that the Armed Forces of the Unites States began operations to topple Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega and safeguard American lives. Operation Just Cause, launched on December 20, 1989, lasted little more than a month, but succeeded in restoring order in Panama, the arrest of Manuel Noriega, and bringing a sense of accomplishment to the American military which had been in the process of rebuilding after many years of neglect.

This Day in History, history, American History

Panama had been under control of Noriega, who had trafficked in drugs, oppressed political opponents, and terrorized American Citizens. President George H. W. Bush gave the green light for U.S. troops to invade Panama and take out the dictator. The U.S. military quickly overwhelmed the Panamanian Defense Forces, captured Manuel who would face trial in America, and made a statement to the world that the U.S. was back, as America was ready and willing to police the Western Hemisphere. The Fighting was not without its casualties on both sides, as 23 Americans were killed, including 4 members of a Navy Seal team who were killed in an ambush on the 20th when they were tasked with destroying Noriega’s private jet. An estimated 200 – 300 Panamanian forces were killed. In just a short time, the U.S. military invaded a foreign country, destroyed its military, took out its despotic leader, and replaced him with the originally elected government of Guillermo Endara, the mission was a success!


About the Author

Ronald G. Mayer Jr. is a Native of Arizona and a graduate of the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College at Arizona State University. He teaches history at Liberty Traditional School in Prescott Valley where he resides. He looks forward to a career as a Professor of History.


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