US Invasion of Panama and Swearing-in of Guillermo Endara

The US invasion of Panama, initiated on December 20, involved a significant military operation aimed at overthrowing the regime of Manuel Noriega. This action was prompted by various factors, including Noriega's involvement in drug trafficking, his increasing authoritarianism, and the threat he posed to US interests in the region. The invasion led to intense urban warfare, resulting in substantial casualties and damage to infrastructure. In the immediate aftermath, Guillermo Endara, who had been declared the winner of the May 1989 elections, was sworn in as president at a US military base in the Canal Zone. This event marked a pivotal shift in Panama's political landscape, as Endara's administration sought to restore democracy and stabilize the country following years of turmoil under Noriega's rule. The Electoral Tribunal's decision to invalidate the previous regime's actions further solidified Endara's legitimacy as the new leader, setting the stage for a transition towards democratic governance and the rebuilding of national institutions.