United States invasion of Panama

1989-12-20 - 1990-01-31

The United States invasion of Panama began in mid-December 1989 during the presidency of George H. W. Bush. The purpose was to depose the de facto ruler of Panama, General Manuel Noriega, who was wanted by U.S. authorities for racketeering and drug trafficking. In the operation, codenamed Operation Just Cause, U.S. forces rapidly overwhelmed Panamanian forces, the Panama Defense Forces were dissolved, and president-elect Guillermo Endara was sworn into office. Noriega surrendered on January 3, 1990, and was flown to the U.S., where he was tried, convicted, and sentenced to 40 years in prison. The UN General Assembly condemned the invasion as a violation of international law.