The U.S. Advances Its Strategy to Control the Panama Canal: FRENASCO
The banner reads, “In defense of sovereignty. This homeland is not for sale.” X/ @cargo_vzla18
April 4, 2025 Hour: 1:47 pm
Social organizations demand that President Mulino disclose the agreements reached with the Trump administration.
On Thursday, the National Front for the Defense of Economic and Social Rights (FRENADESO) denounced that the United States is orchestrating a large-scale operation in Panama, where President Donald Trump’s administration intends to establish four military bases.
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This intervention strategy will be accelerated by the upcoming visit of U.S. Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, FRENADESO pointed out, calling on citizens to mobilize in defense of national sovereignty.
In fact, this week, security forces from Panama and the United States began conducting the joint exercise Panamax 2025, with defense and protection drills for the interoceanic canal “against possible threats.”
These military exercises have been held since 2002 and consist of two phases, one of which includes the presence of military forces from several countries. Both phases include information exchange, training and education programs, and humanitarian aid activities.
The military exercise involves the arrival of members of the U.S. Armed Forces, who participate in joint tactical and operational training activities alongside special units of the National Aeronaval Service (SENAN), the National Police, and the National Border Service (SENAFRONT).
Between April 8 and 10, Panama will also host the Central American Security Conference (CENTSEC), which will be attended by U.S. Secretary Hegseth. This year, CENTSEC will focus on “regional defense through joint operations and cybersecurity,” according to the U.S. Embassy in Panama.
“As part of the cooperation between both countries, Panama will receive the crews of four F-18 Hornet fighter jets, a C-130 Hercules aircraft, and a P-8 Poseidon aircraft, as well as the USS Chosin and USS Normandy warships, and the U.S. Coast Guard vessel Kimball,” it added.
In previous editions, the Panamax exercises involved thousands of military personnel from 17 countries in simulations to protect the Panama Canal, an interoceanic waterway that the U.S. aspires to control.
In recent months, President Trump has repeatedly stated that his country will reclaim the Panama Canal, which he claims is under Chinese control through a Hong Kong-based company that has investments in two of the five ports surrounding the interoceanic route.
In this context, FRENADESO demanded that Panamanian President Jose Mulino disclose the agreements reached with the Trump administration and respect the country’s sovereignty.
