Four Nations Simulate Naval Assault to Protect Panama Canal

Special forces from Argentina, the United States, Panama, and Peru conducted a simulated naval assault on a vessel seized by terrorists targeting the Panama Canal. This operation was a key component of the multinational Panamax 2026 exercise, currently underway in Panama.

The drill, held in the Bay of Panama, involved 45 elite soldiers and three tactical boats. According to Panamanian sub-commissioner Cristian Escala, the exercise was a controlled scenario where intelligence guided the assault team to neutralize the threat to the canal. The operation was designed to be completed within an hour and a half.

Panamax 2026, organized by Panama and sponsored by the U.S. Southern Command, brings together 1,700 elite soldiers from 19 countries. Its primary objective is to enhance interoperability and collective capacity for complex multinational operations, thereby safeguarding the continuous flow of global commerce and maintaining regional security and stability.

The Panama Canal is a critical global trade route, handling between 3% and 5% of world trade. The United States is its largest user, with over 70% of cargo either originating from or destined for the U.S. China and Japan are also major users.

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intelligence information