US War Games in Panama
With the participation of over twenty ships and warplanes, the controversial US-led military training Panamax 2006 is still underway in Panama.

The exercises ending September 1 are being held in the Panama Canal, Pacific and Atlantic oceans to fight an ostensible terrorist attack.

Faced with criticism by several sectors, Government and Justice Minister Severino Mejia said those maneuvers are being carried out without cost for Panama and represent income for the nation due to the high number of foreign soldiers that participate.

The operation involves 25 warships, 22 planes and tens of helicopters as well as 3,000 servicemen from the US and ten other countries.

Besides, the US command will realize joint training exercises with members of local Institutional Protection Service and the National Police during its stay in the Central American country.

The 2005 military practices took a lot of flak following the death of First Sergeant Luis Perez Becerra, and marines Omar Durango and Jackson Angulo, who drowned in an amphibious landing operation.