Manuel Noriega

Noriega became commander of the Panamanian Defense Forces, consolidating power after the death of Omar Torrijos. He effectively ruled Panama as a military dictator, controlling the government and suppressing political opposition.

Opposition leader Hugo Spadafora was found decapitated near the Costa Rican border. Noriega was widely accused of ordering the murder, which increased domestic and international pressure against his regime.

The U.S. launched Operation Just Cause to overthrow Noriega. U.S. forces invaded Panama, defeated the Panamanian Defense Forces, and captured Noriega. The invasion resulted in hundreds of civilian casualties and the installation of a new government.

Noriega was tried in a U.S. federal court in Miami on charges of drug trafficking, racketeering, and money laundering. He was convicted and sentenced to 40 years in prison, later reduced to 30 years.