how was noriega captured
Manuel Noriega was captured after a U.S. invasion of Panama forced him out of power, drove him into hiding, and finally cornered him in the Vatican embassy in Panama City, where he surrendered to U.S. troops on January 3, 1990, and was flown to the United States to stand trial.
Quick Scoop
Lead‑up to the capture
- In December 1989, the United States launched Operation Just Cause , a large‑scale invasion of Panama aimed in part at removing Noriega, who had been indicted in the U.S. on drug trafficking and related charges.
- U.S. forces targeted Panamanian Defense Forces sites and Noriega’s key assets, including his private jet and boat, to cut off his escape routes and collapse his regime’s ability to fight back.
The manhunt in Panama
- After the invasion began, Noriega evaded capture for several days, moving between safe houses while U.S. special operations units and intelligence networks tracked tips and monitored communications.
- A bounty of around 1 million dollars and intensive raids across Panama City increased pressure, leaving Noriega with shrinking options and few loyal forces to protect him.
Refuge in the Vatican embassy
- With the military situation collapsing, Noriega sought refuge in the Apostolic Nunciature, the Vatican’s diplomatic mission in Panama City, effectively hiding under church protection while surrounded by U.S. forces.
- Outside, crowds of Panamanians gathered and U.S. troops maintained a tight cordon, while psychological pressure tactics—including loud music and constant media presence—were used to increase the stress on Noriega and his hosts.
The moment of surrender
- After days of siege and negotiation, the Vatican envoy warned Noriega about the danger of remaining as an isolated and hated leader, and urged him to surrender and defend himself in court instead of risking mob justice.
- On January 3, 1990, Noriega finally walked out of the Nunciature in uniform, announced his surrender to U.S. forces, and was immediately taken into American custody to be flown to Miami for trial on the earlier U.S. charges.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.