1989: Operation Just Cause

Conflict in Panama began escalating when Dictator General Manuel Noriega came to power. During his reign, he broke international treaties, allegedly supported drug trafficking, and declared war on the United States.  
 
He openly encouraged attacks on Americans, and when a Marine was killed by Panamanian forces, the United States decided Noriega would no longer be tolerated.  
 
The United States launched Operation Just Cause with the goal of deposing the dictator and returning order to Panama.  
 
The Marine Corps Security Force, infantry, and a Fleet Antiterrorism Security Team (FAST) played a critical role in the short but complex operation.  
 
Within just two weeks they had achieved success. Noriega surrendered, and the people of Panama began to restore their nation.