Panama Reinforces Border with Colombia to Counter Criminal Organizations

Panamanian authorities have intensified security measures along the border with Colombia, deploying additional units from the National Border Service (Senafront) to prevent the incursion of criminal organizations. The reinforcement comes amid concerns about the potential displacement of groups like the "Clan del Golfo" into Panamanian territory.

Operations in the Darién province include enhanced surveillance and coordination with Colombian police. Aerial patrols have identified areas of deforestation along riverbanks, suspected to be linked to illegal mining, as well as potential marijuana plantations associated with criminal groups. The subdirector of Senafront, Héctor de Sedas, stated that their objective is to neutralize and control any criminal activity by these organizations.

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In current times, the so-called terrorist group “Clan del Golfo” exercises criminal interference, which is why we are stationed along these border lines to neutralize and control any criminal activity by this organization.

Over 700 special forces units have been deployed to strategic points, including binational posts, to conduct coordinated patrols. Colombian anti-narcotics official Miguel Vega noted the importance of monitoring individuals moving through the area to prevent criminal actions. The region has a history of use by armed groups for drug and arms trafficking, with past links to the extinct FARC's Frente 57.

The ongoing "Steel Shield" operation and bilateral cooperation aim to combat drug trafficking and transnational criminal organizations. Authorities are committed to maintaining territorial control in Darién to prevent criminal groups from establishing a presence in Panama.

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We have information about backpackers who are currently making movements on the ground, and our function here is to control and supervise that these individuals do not commit criminal acts, or that they do not attack any of our forces, whether from Panama or Colombia.