‘Operation Just Cause’

MAJOR ACTIONS

Just before U.S. military operation, dubbed “Just Cause,” begins early Wednesday, Guillermo Endara is sworn in as Panama’s president at undisclosed site. A foe of strongman Manuel A. Noriega, he is presumed winner of May 7 election, nullified by Noriega’s regime.

1--Fighting begins at 1 a.m., under light of full moon. Battalion of Army Rangers parachutes into Rio Hato, former U.S. airfield west of Panama City and home of Noriega. Site is later “neutralized.” Noriega is not found.

2--Mechanized U.S. Army battalion, supported by tanks and hundreds of infantrymen, attacks Comandancia, headquarters of Noriega’s Panama Defense Forces in downtown Panama City. Site subdued late Wednesday.

Army Ranger units, supported by special forces, parachute into position at Ft. Cimarron to block road linking Comandancia to Battalion 2000, a unit intensely loyal to Noriega.

3--U.S. troops attack Ft. Amador military base, where Noriega also keeps offices. He is not present.

4--Panamanian soldiers round up terrorized guests at plush Marriott Hotel and take hostages, including Americans.

5--4,500 members of 82nd Airborne Division’s Ready Brigade begin parachute assault on Tocumen International Airport.

6--Battalion from 7th Infantry secures Madden Dam and electrical distribution center at Cerra Tigre.

7--Gamboa prison, housing political prisoners, is liberated by 7th Infantry.

8--U.S. soldiers open fire in residential Diablo Heights section, abutting U.S.-run Albrook Air Base.

9--In San Miguelito neighborhood, jets bomb and helicopters strafe Defense Forces barracks.

10--In Old Panama, Defense Forces base is attacked.

11--Four U.S. tanks surround U.S. Embassy, reportedly hit by fire from what is believed to be grenade launcher.

12--Panama Canal is closed after U.S. troops move over bridge.

U.S. troops seize military-run television Channel 2; U.S. Defense Department begins broadcasting.

Capital fighting continues into late Wednesday in working-class neighborhoods controlled by so-called Dignity Battalions, Noriega’s citizen militia.

CASUALTIES: Fifteen U.S. servicemen killed, one missing, over 100 wounded. U.S. civilian reported slain. Santo Tomas Hospital reports over 50 Panamanians dead, including civilians and troops; hundreds wounded.

NUMBERS DEPLOYED: More than 20,000 U.S. Marines, paratroopers, infantrymen, sailors and airmen are involved in military action in Panama. Total of 9,500 have been airlifted from three U.S. bases to reinforce 13,000 troops already stationed in Panama.

PANAMA CANAL: U.S. personnel were immediately deployed to former Panama Canal Zone and Tocumen International Airport. Ranger battalion seized airport to prepare for landings of U.S. aircraft carrying more troops early Wednesday. Canal was shut down. State Department says 1970s treaty gives Washington authority “in time of war to defend and secure the canal.” Including military personnel and dependents, about 35,000 Americans live in Panama.