Q24N — The Pentagon denied last Friday that there will be any changes to the United States military presence in Panama, but did emphasize that it is working with Panamanian authorities on various joint military exercises, something already contemplated in the Torrijos-Carter Treaties, to support President Donald Trump’s national security priorities.
On Thursday, NBC News reported that Trump has asked the Pentagon to prepare several plans for his plan to regain control of that infrastructure. These plans include sending U.S. troops in coordination with Panamanian authorities or the more drastic option of using force.
“We have no announcement regarding changes to the (military) forces in Panama. The Department is fully prepared to support the president’s national security priorities, including those related to the Panama Canal,” said Pentagon spokesman John Ullyot.
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Ullyot did specify that to support these security initiatives, the US is working with Panama “on various exercises and events throughout the year.”
“These exercises will involve the movement of troops in the region and will strengthen our excellent military relationship with Panama. The United States and Panama share a strong security alliance based on mutual respect and trust,” he concluded.
The 1977 Torrijos-Carter Treaties, by which the United States transferred sovereignty over the canal to Panama, provide in Article IV for “the conduct of joint military exercises” and joint military operations for “the protection and defense of the canal.”
Trump has repeatedly stated in recent weeks his interest in regaining control of the Panama Canal, which he claims has fallen into Chinese hands, something Panama denies. The most recent occasion was during his speech before Congress when he assured that the U.S. would “recover” that infrastructure.
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