Panama and the United States continue to solidify their security alliance, reinforcing efforts through joint exercises, technical assistance, and strategic agreements. This collaboration aims to safeguard the critical Panama Canal and counter evolving transnational threats.
U.S. Special Operations Command South (SOCSOUTH) stands as a vital cornerstone of this partnership, playing a pivotal role in the mutual enhancement of capabilities between both nations’ forces. Through hands-on Joint Combined Exchange Trainings (JCETs), Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs), and other engagements like exercise PANAMAX Alpha, both nations’ forces further strengthen interoperability in the face of challenges impacting regional stability.
“For more than two decades, U.S. Southern Command’s [SOUTHCOM] Special Operations Command South has played a key role in strengthening Panamanian forces,” Panama’s National Border Service (SENAFRONT) Commissioner Raymond Cáceres, liaison officer for Panama at SOUTHCOM, told Diálogo.
Exercises and enhanced capabilities
This collaboration facilitates joint training, combined operations, and interoperability exercises that bolster the capabilities of SENAFRONT, the National Air and Naval Service (SENAN), and the National Police, with technical support from SOUTHCOM.
Specialized training remains a primary focus. “We have received instruction in first aid, defense of critical facilities, urban patrols on boats, and sniper techniques,” Commissioner Cáceres said. “This support has strengthened our special forces in border areas where groups linked to drug trafficking are present.”
Commissioner Cáceres emphasized that cooperation with SOCSOUTH has been essential since SENAFRONT’s inception in 2008, following the dissolution of the former Public Force. “It has been a history of constant collaboration with SOCSOUTH and SOUTHCOM, in direct support of our operations,” he added.
Exercises such as PANAMAX elevate the preparedness levels of security forces against threats like sabotage, terrorism, and organized crime, while promoting greater coordination among regional forces. These engagements underscore a shared commitment to collective security in an environment that demands integrated responses.
Training, interoperability
Yearly exercise PANAMAX Alpha, a pillar of the U.S.-Panama security alliance, is conducted in three phases. Phase 0 focuses on civil-military cooperation through humanitarian assistance and community development. Phase I includes operational drills to protect the Canal, and Phase II involves joint maneuvers with multinational forces, allowing all participants to build a shared understanding and coordinated response, Panama’s Public Security Ministry said in a statement.
“Exercises such as PANAMAX Alpha strengthen national security. The key is to advance interoperability,” said Commissioner Cáceres. “Different institutions act in a coordinated manner, follow the same procedures, and respond effectively to emergencies.”
Commissioner Cáceres highlighted Phase I as a national and bilateral plan impacting several areas of Panama, generally geared toward protecting the Canal. “That’s where SOCSOUTH and SOUTHCOM come in, with their capabilities to train us and coordinate tactical training.”
Emerging challenges and threats
Commissioner Cáceres highlighted the growing capabilities of criminal organizations, fueled by drug trafficking, as a primary challenge. “Our challenge is to protect the population and prevent these structures from infiltrating or normalizing their presence,” Commissioner Cáceres said.
To help address these threats, the United States has provided crucial technological and infrastructure support. For instance, on May 22, the United States delivered a new vehicle maintenance facility to SENAFRONT, as well as two trailers, biometric data collection equipment, and satellite equipment to the Migration Service, enhancing Panama’s capacity to combat organized crime, the U.S. Embassy in Panama said in a statement.
“This collaboration not only provides equipment, but also technical expertise and training. Having the right technology is essential to anticipate, detect, and respond effectively,” added Commissioner Cáceres. “Digital threats are constantly evolving. Thanks to cooperation with the United States, we have strengthened our defenses to protect critical infrastructure.”
Directly supporting this, U.S. and Panamanian forces conducted the first official U.S.-Panama Special Operations Forces (SOF) Talks on February 18. The SOF Talks culminated in a memorandum of understanding formalizing the ongoing commitment to shared security objectives.
Future outlook
Commissioner Cáceres warned that irregular migration also poses a critical threat, highlighting a shared challenge impacting the region. “Migration is a right, but it has been exploited by criminal networks,” he stated.
The United States and Panama have intensified efforts to counter these illicit flows. This includes strategic agreements, such as the memorandum of understanding signed in July 2024, which has facilitated U.S.-funded deportation flights for migrants lacking legal basis to remain in Panama. These initiatives, complemented by SOCSOUTH’s training and capacity-building programs, directly target the transnational criminal organizations that profit from human smuggling and trafficking in the region.
Commissioner Cáceres concluded by emphasizing the necessity of continued, robust cooperation: “Facing common threats requires joint work. Threats do not stop. Only through strong collaboration between Panama, the United States, and our allies can we counter them effectively and sustainably.”
