What year did Operation Just Cause occur, resulting in the overthrow of General Manuel Noriega?

Operation Just Cause took place in 1989, marking a significant military intervention by the United States in Panama. The operation was aimed at overthrowing the regime of General Manuel Noriega, who had been involved in drug trafficking and had become increasingly antagonistic towards U.S. interests in the region. The U.S. sought to restore democracy in Panama and safeguard American lives and interests.

The timeline is crucial in understanding the geopolitical context of the late 1980s, during which the U.S. was engaged in efforts to combat drug trafficking and maintain stability in Central America. Operation Just Cause was initiated on December 20, 1989, and lasted until January 31, 1990, effectively leading to Noriega’s capture and subsequent extradition to the United States, where he faced charges related to drug trafficking. This military operation was significant not only for its immediate results but also for its implications on U.S. foreign policy in Latin America and the dynamics of the War on Drugs during that era.