Mourning Day in Panama Date in the current year: December 20, 2024

Operation Just Cause was the invasion of the American troops in Panama to depose the Panamanian leader and dictator Manuel Noriega and swear the president-elect Guillermo Endara into office.

The US authorities stated the operation was conducted to protect the American citizens, who were on the territory of Panama. The number of casualties from both sides is hard to estimate. The US Army memo estimated the number at 1,000. The UN claims 500 death of civilians, while American Watch found it around 300. President Guillermo Endara said that less than 600 Panamanians died during the operation. Other sources estimated 2,500-3,000 deaths.

Memorial ceremonies annually take place on December 20. Authorities, military and civilians lay flowers and wreaths at the monuments of the victims of the US aggression.