Name a major U.S. military intervention in Latin America during the late 20th century.

• A. The 1983 U.S. invasion of Grenada (Operation Urgent Fury)
• B. The 1989 U.S. invasion of Panama (Operation Just Cause)
• C. The 1994 U.S. intervention in Haiti (Restore Democracy)
• D. The 1986 bombing campaign in Libya

Answer: (B)

In the late 20th century, the most notable U.S. military intervention in Latin America was the 1989 invasion of Panama, known as Operation Just Cause. The mission aimed to remove General Manuel Noriega, restore civilian governance, and safeguard the Panama Canal, a critical strategic asset for global trade and U.S. security. The operation combined rapid air, sea, and ground actions to decisively topple Noriega’s regime while attempting to minimize civilian harm. Noriega surrendered, and Panama eventually moved toward civilian government, with the canal’s control transitioning to Panamanian authorities in the following years.

Other options don’t fit as neatly with the Latin America focus of the question. Grenada was a Caribbean island, not part of Latin America; Libya is in Africa; Haiti’s 1994 intervention occurred in the Caribbean region rather than Latin America.