US Restarts Jungle Warfare Training in Panama After 25-Year Hiatus

For the first time in approximately 25 years, the United States has resumed jungle warfare training exercises in Panama, marking a significant expansion of American military activity in Latin America. Conducted at a rainforest center near Colón, these drills involve US troops and Panamanian forces practicing survival techniques, patrol operations, and combat scenarios in harsh environmental conditions. This initiative aligns with the Trump administration’s aggressive regional posture, which includes heightened pressure on Cuba and Venezuela, potential military actions against Mexican drug cartels, and renewed interest in the Panama Canal. While Washington has deepened security partnerships across the hemisphere, including agreements with El Salvador and Paraguay, the move has sparked controversy in Panama. Critics view the increased US presence as an erosion of national sovereignty, citing the traumatic legacy of the 1989 US invasion. Historians describe this strategy as a form of coercive new imperialism, combining military threats with diplomatic leverage. Despite visible cooperation between soldiers, local anti-US sentiment remains strong in areas like El Chorrillo, where residents fear the ceding of territorial control.