US and Other Latin American Countries in Military Exercises in Panama

More than 300 soldiers from the Armed Forces of 12 countries including the US, Chile, Argentina, Mexico and Colombia will take part in the Panamax military exercises from August 6 to 17, as confirmed by organizers.

National Aeronaval Service Vice Commissioner Jorge Yanis said rules will be developed that would let soldiers participate in a mission to protect the Panama Canal.

US South Command chief Robert Appin said that the focus of the military exercise is to react to a hypothetical attack affecting free traffic in the Panama Canal.

This version will emphasize humanitarian assistance in case of disasters.

The participating soldiers and officials are already in Panama, and the chiefs have been participating in meetings to plan the exercises.

The sources said the US Third Army will lead the exercises together with the Southern Command and the Aeronaval Service of Panama.