What operation was launched in Panama in 1989?

The operation launched in Panama in 1989 was named Operation Just Cause. This military action was initiated by the United States primarily to depose the Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega, who was involved in drug trafficking and had become increasingly a threat to U.S. interests and regional stability. Operation Just Cause aimed to restore democracy in Panama and ensure the safety of American citizens living there, as well as to protect the integrity of the Panama Canal.

The choice of this name, "Just Cause," reflects the U.S. government's justification for intervention, highlighting the moral and legal rationale behind the military action. This operation involved a large-scale deployment of U.S. forces and was characterized by extensive air and ground combat, ultimately leading to the capture of Noriega.

The other options pertain to different military operations. For instance, Operation Desert Storm was conducted in 1991 during the Gulf War, while Operation Uphold Democracy took place in Haiti in 1994. Operation Market Garden, on the other hand, was a World War II operation aimed at capturing key bridges in the Netherlands in 1944. Each of these missions occurred in distinct historical contexts and had different objectives, setting them apart from the events surrounding Operation Just Cause.