Anniversary of Operation Just Cause - Invasion of Panama

Today marks the 29th anniversary of the United States invasion of Panama, codenamed Operation Just Cause, which began on December 20th 1989 and lasted until late January 1990. George H. W. Bush was the President then and this invasion happened 10 years after the U.S. approved a treaty (the Torrijos–Carter Treaty) to transfer control of the Panama Canal to the Panamanian Government by the year 2000.

The invasion was a culmination of events that put a chasm between the US and Panama relationship:

November 1987 - the U.S. cutting military and economic aid and the Panamanian's responding with a restriction on the US Military presence;

February 1988 - the indictment of Panamanian President Noriega on narcotics trafficking charges;

March 1988 - a failed coup against Noriega by Panamanian officers;

May 1989 - Noriega invalidating civilian elections; U.S. pre-staging combat troops in and near Panama for a Training Exercise (Operation Nimrod Dancer);

October 1989 - second coup attempt against Noriega failing;

15-17 December 1989- Noriega declares State f War exists between the US and Panama; USMC Officer shot and killed by Panamanian Defense Forces (PDF); USN officer and wife assaulted by PDF; US National Command Authority directs the execution of OPLAN Just Cause;

20 December 1989 - D Day for Operation Just Cause. Major objectives were protect U.S. lives and key sites and facilities, capture and deliver Noriega to competent authority, neutralize PDF forces as well as command and control, support establishment of a U.S.-recognized government in Panama, and restructure the PDF. The operations utilized 27,684 U.S. troops and over 300 aircraft while opposed by the 16,000 man PDF. Some of the unique combat actions occurring in Operations Just Cause include: Company A, 1st Bn, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne)- already stationed in Panama provided strategic reconnaissance and secured key sites; 75th Ranger Regiment made parachute jumps into Rio Hato Airfield and Torrijos Airport to secure these sites as an air head for follow on US units; 82nd Airborne Division conducting a Raid on Renacer Prison to free political prisoners; and, Delta Force rescuing an American citizen held captive at the Carcel Modelo prison;

3 January 1990 - Noriega Surrenders;

31 January 1990 - Operations Just Cause ends; Operation Promote Liberty begins then ends 4 1/2 years later.

The Pentagon determined that between 300 and 500 Panamanians were killed during the invasion - other sources place that number at 1,000. US Service member casualties were 23 KIA and 325 WIA.

Noriega was extradited to the United States to stand trial were he was convicted on eight counts of drug trafficking, racketeering, and money laundering and sentenced to 40 years in prison. His sentence was later reduced to 30 years.