An operation launched by U.S. President George H. Bush in December 1989 to capture Panamanian Defense Forces chief Gen. Manuel Noriega, who was accused of electoral fraud and drug trafficking. The invasion resulted in hundreds of U.S. casualties and possibly more than 1, 000 Panamanian deaths; it also made clear that the United States would not easily sacrifice its historic prerogatives over Panama and the canal.

See the Introduction, Abbreviations and Pronunciation for further details.

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