Manuel Antonio Moreno Noriega (born in 1940) is a former Panamanian soldier and politician, effective ruler of Panama from 1982 until arrested by the USA 1989 and detained for trial on drugs-trafficking charges.
Short Biography:
Born in Panama City, he was commissioned in the National Guard in 1962. He became intelligence chief 1970, and chief of staff 1982.
He wielded considerable political power behind the scenes, which led to his enlistment by the CIA until charges of drugs trafficking discredited him.
Relations with the USA deteriorated and in Dec 1989 President Bush ordered an invasion of Panama by 24,000 US troops that eventually resulted in Noriega's arrest and detention, pending trial, in the USA.
Why is Manuel Noriega famous?
Manuel Noriega is a former Panamanian politician and soldier.