The Grenada invasion by the United States of America started from October 25 to 28, 1983. Grenada had achieved independence in 1974. Following a coup in 1979, Maurice Bishop assumed the role of prime minister and implemented left-wing policies with support from the Soviet Union and Cuba. However, his close ties to communism led to concerns in Washington, D.C. Additionally, the construction of a new airport on the island further escalated tensions as the construction was considered a transfer point for weapons intended for Latin American revolutionaries.
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Bishop’s assassination by a more hardline Military Revolutionary Council on October 19, 1983, was viewed as the signal to take action. Operation Urgent Fury, hastily organized, was publicly justified by the need to protect U.S. students in Grenada. The only resistance was expected to come from a group of Cubans, purportedly construction workers, according to Havana.
Birth of The Grenada Invasion Themed “Operation Urgent Fury”
Marines and paratroopers spearheaded the Grenada invasion on October 25, bolstered by air support. The combat was intense, particularly near the airport where Cuban forces were stationed. Surprisingly for the U.S., the Grenadian militia fiercely resisted. Poor communication and intelligence led to “friendly fire” incidents and unintentional attacks on civilians.
Helicopter gunships, naval bombardment, and reinforcements were deployed until, after three days, the resistance subsided. U.S. casualties amounted to 19 fatalities and 150 wounded out of roughly 7,000 troops involved. Cuban losses included 25 dead and 59 wounded among an estimated 600 to 800 combatants. Among the up to 1,500 Grenadians involved, 45 lost their lives, and 337 sustained injuries.
The Grenada invasion apparently garnered significant backing from the American populace, marking the first significant military engagement for U.S. forces since the Vietnam War. President Ronald Reagan lauded it as a triumph. Yet, beyond U.S. borders, numerous voices decried the breach of Grenada’s sovereignty on what they deemed a weak justification. Even Britain, with its queen serving as Grenada’s nominal head of state, denounced the action. While the United States succeeded in toppling a communist regime and reinstating democracy, the aftermath left many Grenadians feeling estranged from the new administration.
