Operation Urgent Fury

Background

        Operation Urgent Fury was the name given to the US-led invasion of the island of Grenada in 1983, undertaken during Ronald Reagan presidency. The island nation had originally gained independence, from the United Kingdom, in 1974. Following its independence, a left -wing movement, nicknamed the "New Jewel Movement," seized control of the country in 1979. Under their leader, Maurice Bishop, the New Jewel Movement suspended the constitution and began imprisoning political opponents. Starting in 1983, however, and internal power struggle began over Bishop's moderate approach to foreign policy. The invasion was provoked by a radical Stalinist coup in the country, which saw the then leader of the country, Maurice Bishop, along with other political leaders, captured and executed by the insurgents. The invasion was also triggered, in part, by concerns over the 600 U.S. medical students on the island, as the Reagan administration did not want a repeat of the Iran hostage crisis.

Invasion

        The invasion launched on the morning of October 25, 6 days after the death of Bishop. Together with the Regional Security System, an association of eastern Caribbean nations created for mutual defense and protection, the U.S. Army's Rapid Deployment Force (along with Navy SEALS and the U.S. Marines) assaulted the southern part of the island in an airborne attack, quickly defeating Grenadian resistance and establishing a foothold at the nearby airfield. Soon after, a U.S. Marine helicopter/amphibious assault secured an airfield in the north of the island as well. The military government of Grenada was quickly deposed and and a temporary U.S. appointed government was established in its place, until elections were held in 1984. The invasion lasted less than two months, and ended in a quick and decisive U.S. victory. 

Medical Student Evacuation

Aftermath

         Internationally, the invasion had mixed reactions. Several countries, including Canada, criticized the invasion, while other leaders, like the United Kingdom's Margaret Thatcher, privately disapproved, in this case due to the lack of notice she received. On November 2nd, 1983, the United Nations General Assembly voted to condemn the invasion as a "flagrant violation of international law." However, in contrast to the international reaction, the invasion was popular with both the people of the U.S, and Grenada, who liked the low casualty rate and the democratic elections that followed.