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On December 20, 1989, the United States launched an invasion of Panama, aimed at capturing its dictator, Manuel Noriega. The military operation was code-named “Just Cause” and involved more than 27,000 American troops.
The Role of Noriega’s Private Jet
Noriega Private Jet Source Bing.com
Noriega had a private jet, a Hawker Siddeley 125, which he used to travel between Panama and other countries. The jet was also used to transport drugs and money for Noriega’s criminal activities.
The U.S. military knew about Noriega’s private jet and wanted to destroy it as part of the operation “Just Cause”. The plan was to bomb the jet while it was parked at the Paitilla Airport in Panama City.
The Failed Attempt
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On December 19, 1989, the U.S. Air Force attempted to destroy Noriega’s private jet with two F-117 Nighthawk stealth fighters. However, the mission was unsuccessful due to bad weather and technical difficulties.
The planes were forced to abort the mission and return to their base in the United States. Noriega’s private jet remained intact and ready for use.
The Second Attempt
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The U.S. military did not give up on destroying Noriega’s private jet. On December 20, 1989, the second day of the invasion, the U.S. Special Forces attempted to destroy the jet using a C-4 explosive charge.
The charge was placed on the jet’s fuel tank and detonated, causing a massive explosion that destroyed the jet and the surrounding area. The explosion was so powerful that it shattered windows in nearby buildings and caused damage to parked cars.
The Aftermath
Noriega Private Jet Source Bing.com
The destruction of Noriega’s private jet was a symbolic victory for the U.S. military. It showed that they were capable of striking at Noriega’s most prized possessions, including his personal transportation.
The destruction of the jet also had practical consequences for Noriega. It limited his ability to travel and transport drugs and money. It was a significant blow to his criminal enterprise.
In Conclusion
The destruction of Noriega’s private jet was a significant event in the history of the U.S. military and the war on drugs. It demonstrated the military’s ability to strike at high-value targets and showed their determination to bring Noriega to justice.
The destruction of the jet also had practical consequences for Noriega, limiting his ability to conduct his criminal activities. It was a small victory in a larger war, but an important one nonetheless.
