Battle of Paitilla Airport

Battle of Paitilla Airport
Part of the United States invasion of Panama
Paitilla Airport
Battle of Paitilla Airport (Panama)
Date20 December 1989
LocationPaitilla Airport, Panama
Result

American victory

  • Mission accomplished.
Belligerents
United States United States Panama Panama
Commanders and leaders
United States Lt. Cmdr. Patrick Toohey Panama Unknown
Units involved
SEAL Team 4 Panama Defense Force
Strength
48 11
Casualties and losses
4 killed
9 wounded		 unknown
1 private jet destroyed

The Battle of Paitilla Airport was an battle between members of the PDF and SEAL Team 4, on the 20th of December 1989. Launched in the starting hours of Operation Just Cause, this operation was handled by SEAL Team 4. The force consisted of forty-eight U.S. Navy SEALs (three SEAL Platoons; Golf, Echo, and Delta) under the command of Lt. Cmdr. Patrick Toohey. The team was tasked with destroying Noriega's private jet on the ground at the Punta Paitilla Airport, in Panama City. [1][2]

Aftermath

Due to the high level of casualties sustained and several inconsistencies regarding planning and command and control during the battle, the Battle of Paitilla Airport is considered one of the most controversial operations within Operation Just Cause from the US military perspective.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 Yates, Lawrence (2014). The US Military Intervention In Panama: Operation Just Cause December 1989 - January 1990. Washington DC: Center of Military History United States Army.
  2. ↑ "Full text of "Soldiers in Panama: stories of Operation Just Cause"". archive.org. Retrieved 2015-12-31.

See also

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