The objective of the attack was to capture the PDF garrison at the base, secure the airfield runway, and seize dictator Manuel Noriega's beachside house.

precision bombs in an attempt to stun and confuse the PDF garrison of two heavily armed infantry companies defending the airfield.

Gathering quickly in the darkness, two companies of Rangers fanned out to isolate the airfield, cut the Pan-American Highway running through it, and seize a nearby ammunition dump.

[3] At least two military trucks filled with PDF soldiers drove down the runway and adjacent dirt road, raking the wounded and the assembling Rangers with small arms and .50 BMG fire.

These were dispatched by a Ranger platoon sergeant from 3/75 with a M72 LAW rocket; a non-commissioned officer from A Company, 2/75, fired on a truck with his M1911 pistol and inadvertently hit the gas tank, exploding said vehicle.