Archive · 6 Jun 2025
US Military Exercises in Panama Spark Protests
American soldiers are in Panama for training with Panamanian forces to protect the Panama Canal.
The agreement, made in April, lets US troops train there but not set up permanent bases, according to the authorities.
The US embassy says the training involves forest operations and is approved by Panama.
This agreement was made after pressure from former US President Trump, who worried China had too much control over the canal.
Some people in Panama are protesting because they think it's a threat to their country's independence and worry about US military bases returning.
The canal is very important because a lot of US cargo and world trade goes through it.
US soldiers are in Panama for military exercises.
Exercises are to protect the Panama Canal.
The agreement allows US troops to deploy but not establish bases.
Training will involve Panamanian security forces in forest operations.
The agreement triggered protests in Panama.
- Who
- US military and Panamanian security forces
- What
- Military exercises and training operations.
- When
- The agreement was signed in April, and the exercises are currently underway.
- Where
- Panama, around the Panama Canal.
- Why
- To protect the Panama Canal and conduct training exercises.
Panamanian Protesters
US and Panamanian Governments
Sovereignty
Panamanian Protesters
The agreement violates national sovereignty and may be a return of US military bases.
US and Panamanian Governments
The agreement is beneficial for protecting the canal and maintaining regional security.
- Exercise Objective
- Protecting the Panama Canal
- Agreement Date
- April
- Training Focus
- Forest operations
- Canal Traffic (US)
- 40% of US container traffic
- Canal Traffic (World)
- 5% of world trade