11. The US Invasion of Panama (1989)
In December 1989, the United States launched Operation Just Cause to depose Panamanian leader Manuel Noriega, restore democratic governance, safeguard U.S. citizens, and combat drug trafficking. The invasion resulted in significant loss of life, with estimates of civilian casualties varying widely. Infrastructure damage was extensive, including the destruction of residential areas, schools, and hospitals. Politically, the operation led to the installation of a new government, but it also strained U.S.-Latin American relations and raised questions about U.S. interventionism (history.com).
