Approximately 50 U.S. Marines have commenced joint training operations with Panamanian forces, initiating a controversial military program that runs from today through February 26th. The exercises will take place at two strategic locations: the Jungle Warfare School in Colón province and Captain Noel Rodríguez Naval Base near the capital city.
This military collaboration has sparked significant opposition from civil society organizations, particularly the National Front for the Defense of Economic and Social Rights (Frenadeso). The group contends that these maneuvers stem from a memorandum of understanding secretly signed between Panama and Washington in April 2025, which they characterize as detrimental to national sovereignty.
In an official statement obtained by Prensa Latina and endorsed by Frenadeso coordinator Jorge Guzmán, the organization vehemently rejected the notion that these activities represent international cooperation. Instead, they framed the training as outright foreign interference and an act of aggression against Panama’s autonomous governance.
The memorandum, according to Frenadeso’s analysis, effectively normalizes foreign military presence within Panamanian territory and transforms the nation into a strategic platform for geopolitical operations targeting neighboring countries, particularly Venezuela. These actions are allegedly justified under the pretext of addressing security concerns, migration flows, and narcotics trafficking.
Frenadeso’s declaration emphatically states: ‘Panama is a sovereign and neutral country, not a ramp for imperial aggression,’ while demanding the immediate termination of all joint military exercises and calling for authentic defense of national independence.
This development marks an escalation of U.S. military engagement in Panama that began in December 2025, initially justified through anti-drug trafficking initiatives. The increased presence followed concerning statements from former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding potential military intervention to secure the Panama Canal, citing unsubstantiated claims of Chinese influence—allegations consistently denied by officials from both nations.