US strives to militarize Panama canal zone

The United States plans to expand its military presence in the Panama Canal zone.

This was stated by US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth during his speech at the Army War College in Carlisle, Caliber.Az reports.

“We have secured a framework agreement that grants US military vessels and support ships priority passage through the Panama Canal, along with expanded US troop deployment on both shores throughout the canal's length,” Hegseth announced.

During a visit to Panama on April 9, Hegseth also referenced plans for “rotational joint exercises” with Panamanian forces. A defence official told the NBC publication that the US currently has more than 200 troops in Panama but the number varies with rotations. Some of these include Special Forces units working alongside Panamanian troops to address internal security threats and unrest.

Back in March, another NBC report claimed that the US was evaluating options to counter China’s growing influence over the Panama Canal. The Pentagon had considered a range of strategies—from enhanced military collaboration with Panama to a potential canal takeover—though force would only be used if Panama declined cooperation.

Panama’s Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Guevara Mann pushed back on US concerns, calling the idea that China controls the canal a misconception.

According to media reports first published by AFP in April, the US and Panama are also preparing to sign a declaration concerning the security and operation of the canal. The agreement would permit the deployment of a string of US bases along the canal, marking a significant win for President Donald Trump as he seeks to reassert American influence over the strategic waterway, which was under US-control from 1903 until handing it over to Panama in 1999.

By Nazrin Sadigova