The Pentagon is reportedly expanding its training activities in the region. While reports indicate a possible deployment of 600 troops to Panama, the U.S. Embassy maintains that 120 military personnel are currently participating in jungle warfare exercises.
President Donald Trump's administration seeks to intensify
operations against drug trafficking networks in Latin America through increased
military cooperation with countries in the region, amid growing attention to
security and the fight against organized crime.
According to The New York Times, elements of the U.S. Army's
10th Mountain Division have begun deploying to Panama as part of a battalion
that could reach approximately 600 troops. The plans also reportedly include
possible training activities in Colombia and Honduras.
However, the U.S. Embassy in Panama has reportedly denied
the figure of 600 military personnel deployed in the country, stating that
approximately 120 U.S. soldiers are currently participating in jungle warfare
training exercises.
According to the information released, these activities
could complement the work of U.S. special operations personnel advising
regional forces involved in counter-narcotics operations.
These troops could provide support to U.S. special
operations personnel advising regional forces conducting anti-drug raids.