Central America Archives - Diálogo Américas

Guatemala, US Elite Forces Partnership Strengthens Fight Against Transnational Crime

As transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) become increasingly sophisticated, Guatemala continues to strengthen its special operations capabilities through sustained cooperation with U.S. special operations forces. That strategic partnership was demonstrated during a March 2026 exercise in Poptún, Petén Department, where U.S. Army Green Berets assigned to the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) trained alongside personnel from the Guatemalan Army’s Naval Special…

September 25, 2026

Panama Strengthens Maritime, Border, and Cybersecurity Capabilities with US Support

Panama continues to strengthen its security forces’ ability to monitor its land borders, maritime domain, and digital networks in a more coordinated manner to counter threats posed by transnational organized crime. As part of that effort, the United States delivered more than $5 million in maritime, border, and cybersecurity equipment in June to Panama’s National Border Service (SENAFRONT) and National…

September 17, 2026

Central America Strengthens Aerial Surveillance Against Transnational Crime

Central American security forces are incorporating unmanned aerial systems and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities to counter increasingly mobile and technologically sophisticated criminal organizations. These tools expand surveillance over borders, coastlines, and remote forested areas, at a time when criminal networks themselves are also using drones to monitor their surroundings, transport illicit goods, and support other illegal activities. Situational…

September 11, 2026

Georgia Guard Soldiers Train Alongside US, Panamanian Partners in Jungle Operations

High heat, constant humidity, heavy rainfall, dense vegetation, dangerous animals, and countless insects are what soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 54th Security Force Assistance Brigade faced while training alongside other U.S. service members and Panamanian security forces at the Combined Jungle Training Center-South in Panama from June 13 through July 3. “The moment I stepped off the bus at the…

September 03, 2026

Panama Strengthens Cyber Defense to Protect Critical Infrastructure

Panama is strengthening its ability to protect the digital systems that support government operations and critical infrastructure. The country recently advanced this effort by operationalizing its State Cybersecurity Operations Center, designed to continuously monitor government networks, improve incident response, and strengthen protection against increasingly sophisticated threats. Led by the National Authority for Government Innovation (AIG), the initiative forms part of…

August 31, 2026

Ports, Data, and Critical Infrastructure: Protecting Guatemala’s Strategic Assets

With a population of more than 18 million, the largest economy in Central America, and a strategic location between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, Guatemala occupies a unique position in the region. As the country modernizes its port, digital, and technological infrastructure, Chinese companies and technologies have expanded their presence across multiple sectors. This has prompted broader discussions about how…

August 27, 2026

Strategic Infrastructure and Accountability: Panama Reassesses Chinese Megaprojects

The explosion and fire beneath the Bridge of the Americas in April, which killed one person, injured two others, and forced the temporary closure of one of Panama’s vital transportation routes, underscored the importance of resilient strategic infrastructure and alternative routes capable of sustaining mobility and logistical continuity during an emergency. The incident also revived debate over delays in the…

August 21, 2026

Guatemala Strengthens Cybersecurity Through Regional Partnerships

Cyberspace has emerged as a critical domain for national security. Beyond the traditional domains of land, air, and sea, the digital networks that support energy, transportation, communications, finance, customs, emergency response, and government operations have become critical infrastructure — and increasingly attractive targets for cybercriminals and hostile state actors. Recognizing these growing risks, Guatemala has expanded efforts to strengthen cyber…

August 21, 2026

Guatemalan Soldiers, Arkansas National Guard Counterparts Build Interoperability

Guatemalan Army Special Forces and Arkansas National Guardsmen recently trained together at Fort Polk, Louisiana, during Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) rotation 26-08 as part of the Department of War National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program (SPP) between Arkansas and Guatemala. Arkansas and Guatemala were paired together 24 years ago through the SPP. Numerous exchanges occur annually that address training,…

August 14, 2026

PANAMAX 2026 Strengthens Multinational Medical Readiness in Panama

Medical teams from Panama’s Ministry of Health (MINSA), Joint Task Force Bravo (JTF-Bravo), and the Missouri National Guard worked side by side during PANAMAX 2026 to strengthen medical readiness and interoperability while providing healthcare services to communities in Colón, Panama. The Medical Readiness Training Exercise (MEDRETE), held August 4-7 at Altos de los Lagos School combined hands-on medical training with…

August 12, 2026

Multinational Defense and Security Forces Demonstrate United Resolve during PANAMAX 2026

Multinational defense and security forces have ramped up operations in Panama and are fully integrated and training together during PANAMAX 2026. With a primary focus on safeguarding the Panama Canal, PANAMAX includes 19 partner nations exercising their collective capacity to maintain security and stability in the region while protecting the Western Hemisphere. The nerve center of PANAMAX 2026 lies at…

August 10, 2026

Panama, US Bolster Bilateral Readiness and Humanitarian Response during PANAMAX Alpha

Panama and the United States concluded the annual bilateral exercise PANAMAX Alpha on July 27, strengthening interoperability, humanitarian response capabilities, and operational coordination between the two partners. Conducted with support from U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), the exercise brought together personnel from Panama’s National Air and Naval Service (SENAN), and Joint Task Force Bravo (JTF-Bravo) for humanitarian assistance missions, technical exchanges,…

August 07, 2026

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Special Report

For decades, Ecuador was perceived as an exception in a region plagued by drug trafficking, armed violence, and criminal capture of the state. While neighboring countries faced open wars between cartels and state forces, Ecuador seemed to remain on the sidelines of these dynamics. That image began to slowly crack and finally collapsed in January […]

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