Raid at Renacer Prison facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The raid of Renacer Prison
Part of United States invasion of Panama
Date 20 December 1989 Location Panama Result American victory
Belligerents
United States	Panama
Commanders and leaders
Lt. Col. Lynn Moore	Unknown
Units involved
7th Infantry Division 82nd Airborne Division 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment 3rd Battalion Company C 228th Aviation Regiment 1st Battalion 307th Engineer Battalion 1097th Transportation Company	Panama Defense Force
Strength
83 paratroopers 3 helicopters 2 scout helicopters 1 attack helicopter 1 LCM	27
Casualties and losses
4 wounded	5 killed 6 wounded 22 captured 64 hostages freed

The Raid at Renacer Prison was a military operation that happened on December 20, 1989, in Gamboa, Panama. It took place during the United States invasion of Panama. Soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army attacked the El Renacer prison.

During this raid, the U.S. military successfully freed 64 prisoners who were being held there. They also fought against soldiers from the Panama Defense Forces. Five Panamanian soldiers were killed during the raid.

The U.S. force included about 80 paratroopers. They also used three UH-1 helicopters, two OH-58 scout helicopters, and one AH-1 Cobra attack helicopter. A landing craft (LCM) was also part of the mission. These forces came from different units, including parts of the 7th Infantry Division and the 82nd Airborne Division.

Why the Raid Happened

Renacer Prison was located next to the Panama Canal. It was not a very large prison. By December 1989, the government led by Manuel Noriega had filled the prison with people who were against his rule. Many of these prisoners had been involved in an attempt to overthrow the government a few months earlier. There were also several Americans among the prisoners. The U.S. military wanted to free these prisoners.

How the Raid Was Planned

The prison area was fenced and measured about 40 by 70 meters. The prison buildings were made of cinder blocks and wood, with tin roofs. The American plan was carefully put together.

Air and Water Attack

The raid was planned to start at 1:00 AM on December 20. It would involve attacks from both the air and the water at the same time.

• Two UH-1 helicopters, each carrying 11 paratroopers, would land inside the prison yard.
• Gunners on the helicopters would fire at specific targets.
• An AH-1 "Cobra" attack helicopter would fire at the guards' barracks.
• A group of soldiers would immediately search and secure the prisoners' barracks and other main buildings.

Support from the Canal

At the same time, other soldiers would land from a landing craft (LCM) on the side of the prison facing the Panama Canal.

• These soldiers would provide covering fire and security for the main attack.
• Another group of soldiers would clear and secure buildings outside the prison's fence.
• One OH-58 scout helicopter carried a sniper to help from above.

Preventing Reinforcements

Finally, a third UH-1 helicopter, carrying ten scouts, would land outside the prison. Their job was to stop any attempts by the Panamanian Defense Force to send more soldiers to help the prison guards.

See also

In Spanish: Redada en la Prisión de El Renacer para niños