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Panama seperated from Columbia becoming independent, as the U.S quickly recognized their independence they followed by gaining rights to the building of the canal.
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The National Guard of Panama began to take control of the countries inports and exports. It began freezing prices of all goods and the selling of them.
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Omar Torrijo dies in a plane crash.
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After Torrijos death, Manuel Noriega becomes chief of the national guard and later becomes the driving force behind the Panama government
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National Guard begins arresting politicians with opposing views and those conducting protests. Places thme in jails with poor conditions and beat them into submission to new government control.
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Political Prisoner reaches 700.
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opponents of the militaries control in Panama failed to fully make a military coup of Manuel Noriega
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CIA Director William Webster reported that despite political pressures that are designed to oust General Manuel Noriega, he has not been forced out yet.
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Panama in economic crisis because of drug activity and corruption, almost 40% of the national budget being used for national debt.
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President Bush signed a secret intelligence directive to provide more than 10 million to opponent of Manuel Noriega in the upcoming election.
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U.S troops in Panama increase from 10,3000 to 12,300.
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CIA reported that human right abuses in Panama are not as grave compared to El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.
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President Bush declines public rumors of American operation in Panama.
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With no warning, U.S lands 12,000 troops in Panama and launches an air strike of Panama City and Selon.
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U.S news media 'failed' to report 1000 dead civilians in Panama. (Later in 1991, concluded that the number was around 3000-5000)
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Manuel Noriega arrested on Drug offenses and is sentenced to 40 years in prison, to be served in U,S jail.