Panama boosts border security after Colombia attacks

Panama has bolstered its border security with Colombia in response to a series of attacks that occurred during the inauguration of Colombia's new president, Abelardo de la Espriella. The Panamanian government, which had previously dismissed concerns about irregular Colombian groups entering its territory, announced the heightened measures on Sunday.

Two attacks in Colombia on Saturday resulted in one police death and several injuries, marking a violent start to de la Espriella's term. The ultraconservative president has vowed to combat "narco-terrorism without truce." Panama and Colombia share a rugged 266-kilometer jungle border in the Darién region, a known haven for Colombian irregular armed groups.

The Ministry of Public Security stated that agents from the National Border Service (Senafront) and the National Aeronaval Service (Senan) have increased their presence along the border. Equipped with military uniforms and heavy weaponry, these agents, along with over 15 mobilized vessels on both the Pacific and Atlantic coasts, aim to "block all coasts" and "our borders" to directly confront criminal organizations, according to Senafront Director General Larry Solís.

Despite recent reassurances from Panamanian Security Minister Frank Ábrego, who cited intelligence shared with Colombia and dismissed fears of incursions by groups like the Clan del Golfo or ELN, some Panamanian sectors remain concerned. Ábrego had stated last Monday that there was no "truthful information" and urged against spreading fear. The border reinforcement occurs as Panama, alongside about twenty nations including the United States, participates in military exercises for the defense of the Panama Canal. U.S. Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth is scheduled to visit Panama later this week.