The SouthCom is considering the deployment of U.S. troops or, in a more drastic scenario, the use of force.

On Thursday, NBC reported that U.S. President Donald Trump asked the Pentagon to prepare several plans for his idea of retaking control of the Panama Canal.

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Among the plans being considered by the U.S. Southern Command (SouthCom) are the deployment of U.S. troops in coordination with Panamanian authorities or, in a more drastic scenario, the use of force.

According to NBC, which cites two U.S. officials familiar with the plans, everything depends on the level of cooperation that Panamanian military officials agree to have with Washington.

In recent weeks, Trump has repeatedly expressed his interest in regaining control of the Panama Canal, claiming that it has fallen into Chinese hands—something the Central American nation denies. The last time he addressed this issue was during his speech before Congress last week, when he stated that the United States would “reclaim” the interoceanic infrastructure.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Panamanian Foreign Affairs Minister Javier Martinez-Acha described the relationship between his country and the U.S. as “good.” During a press conference, he said that the Panamanian government remains calm, as President Jose Mulino has made it clear that the canal belongs to Panama and will remain under Panamanian control.

“I don’t feel that there are tensions… Our relationship with our main ally is complex but good… We are coordinating many things in terms of security, cybersecurity, and migration,” the Panamanian diplomat said.

The Panama Canal, which the U.S. built in the 20th century and operated for over 80 years until its transfer to Panama in 1999, is a key global trade route. Since 2016, it has been operating an expansion that cost more than US$5.54 billion, significantly increasing its revenue and strategic value.

teleSUR/ JF

Source: EFE

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