The Trump administration, which has expressed an intention to reclaim the Panama Canal, is reportedly preparing military options. According to NBC News on the 13th (local time), government sources have stated that the White House has directed an increase in the current 200 U.S. troops stationed in Panama.
As a result, the U.S. Southern Command is preparing various options, including enhancing cooperation with public forces in Panama, a non-militarized country, which could extend to a military occupation of the Panama Canal.
The U.S. previously invaded Panama in 1989 to arrest dictator Manuel Noriega on drug trafficking charges. However, U.S. government officials have explained that the use of force will depend on the extent of cooperation with Panama’s public forces.
The plans being reviewed by the U.S. military include objectives ranging from guaranteeing the safe passage of U.S. vessels as a basic measure to the potential reclamation of the Panama Canal.
Other considerations include increasing the presence of U.S. troops at various ports in Panama and involving U.S. personnel directly in the technical operations of the canal. Additionally, the idea of establishing a U.S. military training facility in Panama is also being reviewed.
Before handing over control of the Panama Canal to Panama in 1999, the U.S. operated an Army training facility in the area specializing in jungle warfare.
U.S. government officials have indicated that the likelihood of forcibly reclaiming the Panama Canal is low. The directive to increase U.S. troops in Panama is intended to prepare for the possibility of securing the canal in the event of threats to the U.S., such as war, and to block access by China.
General Alvin Halsey of the Southern Command recently reported a strategy proposal related to the Panama Canal to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Secretary Hegseth is scheduled to visit Panama next month.