Operation Just Cause was the U.S. military invasion of Panama in late 1989 aimed at removing General Manuel Noriega from power due to his drug trafficking and election manipulation. The operation sought to protect American interests, defend democracy, and secure the Panama Canal. It involved over 27,000 U.S. troops in various military actions, leading to Noriega’s surrender in January 1990 after hiding in the Vatican Embassy. Noriega was then extradited to the U.S. for trial. The invasion result