Operations Safe Haven and Safe Passage facts for kids

Operations Safe Haven and Safe Passage were special missions by the United States military. They took place from September 8, 1994, to March 15, 1995. The main goal was to help with the large number of Cuban people who had arrived at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base. These people were trying to reach the United States.

Operation Safe Haven set up four camps in Panama to give a safe place for up to 10,000 Cuban migrants. Later, Operation Safe Passage moved these migrants back to Guantanamo. This happened once the crowded conditions there were better. These operations were led by General Barry McCaffrey.

History of the Operations

Moving the Migrants

Operation Safe Haven started in September 1994. This is when the first Cuban migrants arrived in Panama from Guantanamo. The camps were set up because the US and Panamanian governments agreed to let the Cubans stay in Panama for six months.

More Cuban migrants kept arriving until about 8,600 people were living in the camps. Around 1,280 of these Cubans were allowed to enter the United States in October 1994. This was part of a special program by the United States Department of Justice. Also, 110 Cubans were accepted by Spain, and 10 by Venezuela.

Challenges in the Camps

As time went on, some of the Cuban migrants became restless. They were unsure about their future. This led to some disturbances and unrest in the camps on December 7 and 8, 1994. US military members quickly brought the situation under control.

During these events, some US military personnel and Cuban migrants were injured. Some migrants also tried to escape and sadly lost their lives in the Panama Canal. There was also damage to property, including military vehicles and equipment.

A few days later, a joint military operation helped regain control of one of the camps. The people who caused the unrest were identified. Many different US military units helped during this time. These included the 258th Military Police Co., Marine forces, 2nd Ranger Battalion, and the 5th/87th Infantry. No US soldiers were killed, but some were injured.

Managing the Situation

After the unrest, a fifth camp was created. This camp was for individuals who seemed to be a threat or who had caused problems. This camp had a high-security area with individual cells. Units like the 5th Battalion 87th Infantry and Air Force Security Police helped manage this camp.

Returning to Guantanamo

As the agreement for the Cubans to stay in Panama was ending, plans began for Operation Safe Passage. This mission was to move the Cubans back to Guantanamo Bay Naval Base.

Between February 1 and February 20, 1995, about 7,300 Cubans were safely moved from Panama to Guantanamo. The goal was to make sure this transfer was safe and organized.

Awards for Service

US military members who took part in Operation Safe Haven received special awards:

• The Humanitarian Service Medal (for service from August 26, 1994, to March 3, 1995)
• The Joint Meritorious Unit Award (for service from August 26, 1994, to March 1, 1995)

Medical Support

A special hospital that could be moved by air was set up. It started with 50 beds and was staffed by medical teams from different Air Force bases. As needed, the hospital was made larger to hold 125 beds. This ensured that the migrants received good medical care.