US military personnel given permission to operate within the Panama Canal region by Panamanian authorities.

US and Panama Reach Agreement Allowing Deployment of Troops at Panama Canal

In a significant development, the governments of the USA and Panama have signed an agreement that allows for the deployment of US troops at the Panama Canal. The memorandum was signed during US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's latest visit to Panama on Wednesday.

The agreement, initially valid for three years and potentially extendable, enables US troops to conduct training, exercises, and various activities at locations around the canal under Panamanian control. The agreement does not include the establishment of military support points in Panama, as stated in the document.

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who signed the agreement with Panama's Defense Minister Frank Ábrego, suggested the redeployment of US troops to secure the Panama Canal. However, Panama's Defense Minister emphasized that Panama cannot accept any military support points or defense installations.

The Panama Canal, built by the US Army Corps of Engineers, was handed over to Panama's administration on December 31, 1999. Trump had previously threatened to retake control of the canal, which the US originally built. However, this agreement provides a significant concession for US President Donald Trump's demand for greater US influence over the Panama Canal.

The agreement allows military and civilian US personnel to provide training, conduct exercises, and store equipment in facilities designated and controlled by Panama. The US could potentially revive military bases or naval air stations in Panama, with the invitation of Panama.

Trump criticized the perceived excessive Chinese influence over the Panama Canal. This agreement may be seen as a countermeasure to such influence. The agreement was published by the Panamanian government on Thursday (local time).

It is important to note that this agreement does not mean the establishment of military support points or defense installations in Panama. The US troops will be present at the Panama Canal for training, exercises, and various activities, as specified in the agreement.

This development marks a new chapter in the relationship between the USA and Panama, and it will be interesting to see how this agreement unfolds in the coming years.

US military personnel given permission to operate within the Panama Canal region by Panamanian authorities.