U.S. Invasion Of Panama (1989-90) - Op. 'Just Cause'

The United States invasion of Panama in late 1989 was a significant military intervention that aimed to maintain Washington's dominance in Latin America. Panama held particular importance to the United States due to its control over the Panama Canal, a key strategic asset for both military and economic interests.

American involvement with the Panama Canal dates back to 1902 when they took over construction duties from the French. In 1903, Washington even incited the Panamanian independence movement, resulting in the nation's autonomy from Colombia. This move secured America's ideal of exclusive and permanent possession of the Panama Canal Zone in exchange for substantial financial compensation.

Since its opening in 1914, the Panama Canal has been a focal point in U.S.-Panama relations. However, control over the canal became a matter of dispute after World War II. Inspired by the Egyptian nationalization of the Suez Canal in 1956, Panamanians sought the same rights. The dispute was eventually resolved in 1977 when the Torrijos-Carter treaties were signed, granting Panama full control over the canal by December 31st, 1999, but with remaining open access for U.S. vessels.

Despite the signing of these treaties, the United States did not give up its interests in Panama. Lieutenant Colonel Manuel Noriega, chief of military intelligence, served as the ace up their sleeve. Noriega had a long history as a CIA paid informant and proved instrumental in disrupting Soviet interest in the region. As the de facto ruler of Panama, he also helped Washington keep the country under control.

However, Noriega's growing connection to drug cartels in the 1980s became a liability. Calls for him to step down from power pushed Noriega away from the USA and towards the Soviets, marking the beginning of his downfall. In 1988, an unsuccessful coup against Noriega was incited by the U.S., and he was indicted for several drug-related crimes. However, military action was restrained primarily because President Reagan did not want to impede George H.W. Bush's presidential campaign.

Everything changed when George H.W. Bush was elected president. The opportunity to take action arose in May 1989 when Noriega annulled the victory of the opposition in national elections. The United States pressured Noriega to recognize the election results, but he persistently refused and declared a state of war between Panama and the United States on December 15th, 1989.

Operation Just Cause: The Invasion unfolds

On December 16th, 1989, a group of four American soldiers in a private vehicle was stopped and harassed by troops of the Panamanian Defense Forces (PDF). This incident escalated quickly, resulting in the death of a marine first lieutenant and the assault of an American naval officer and his wife.

This event served as a turning point for President Bush, who immediately ordered the execution of Operation Just Cause, the invasion of Panama. The PDF, with around sixteen thousand men, was no match for the military might of the United States. However, American generals feared that the PDF might withdraw to the mountains and engage in guerrilla warfare, posing a significant threat to establishing security in the country.

For this reason, the United States Southern Command engaged over 27 thousand troops for the mission. These included soldiers already stationed in Panama, such as the 193rd Infantry Brigade, the seventh light infantry battalion, and the fifth mechanized infantry division. Additional units from the Marines, Air Force, and Navy were also deployed.

The main fighting force on D-Day was a strike force comprising soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division, the 75th Infantry Regiment, Army Rangers, Army Special Forces, Navy SEALs, Air Force Special Operations, and Navy Special Boat units. These troops conducted air assaults, with additional troops planned to land after the main PDF forces were defeated to pacify the country.

The invasion began in the early morning hours of December 20th, 1989. Multiple task forces were assigned specific targets and assignments. The initial attacks focused on seizing key locations such as Fort Amador and La Comandancia, the headquarters of the PDF. Task forces faced resistance but utilized a combination of firepower from tanks, infantry assault vehicles, assault helicopters, gunships, and missiles to overcome the PDF forces.

Throughout the day, American troops advanced and secured various targets, including military bases, airports, and naval installations. Special operations units, such as Navy SEALs, played a supporting role, establishing roadblocks and neutralizing PDF garrisons. By the end of D-Day, the capital was secured, and efforts were underway to pacify the country and establish order.

The Capture of Noriega and the Aftermath

Despite the success of the invasion, the primary objective of capturing Manuel Noriega had not yet been accomplished. Noriega sought refuge in the embassy of the Holy See, hoping to avoid capture and engage in guerrilla warfare. However, with pressure applied by the United States and negotiations with the Vatican, Noriega eventually surrendered.

After his arrest, Noriega was taken into custody by U.S. authorities. The invasion marked the end of his rule in Panama, with a newly installed Panamanian government taking over. Guillermo Endara, the winner of the 1989 elections, was sworn in as president on the night before the invasion.

It took three weeks for American troops to completely pacify the country and establish order. Throughout the operation, casualties were experienced on both sides, with the U.S. losing 23 men and the PDF suffering significant losses. However, the invasion was met with condemnation from many countries, with international bodies such as the Organization of American States and the United Nations denouncing the U.S. aggression.

Controversy also surrounded the use of force in toppling Noriega's regime, with civilian casualties and the displacement of thousands of Panamanians. Despite these controversies, Panama's relations with the United States continued, with the Torrijos-Carter treaties implemented. While the canal was ultimately ceded to Panama, the country remained within America's sphere of influence.