Panama allows U.S. troop deployment near canal, but without establishing bases
The U.S. will gain access to areas around the Panama Canal for training and humanitarian operations — but Panama has ruled out the establishment of military bases.
Photo: Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 2.0
Panama and the U.S. have signed an agreement allowing U.S. troops and private military companies to temporarily use areas surrounding the Panama Canal.
The document, signed by Panamanian Defense Minister Frank Abrego and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, provides for joint use of Panamanian facilities for three years, with the option to extend.
Hegseth has already informed Trump that historic agreements have been signed with Panama to restore American influence over the canal. He said China gained excessive presence during Obama's presidency, but now the U.S. and Panama are pushing it out of the region.
U.S. forces will be able to conduct training exercises, humanitarian missions, and defense maneuvers in these areas. However, both sides emphasize that establishing permanent military bases is strictly ruled out.
The decision sparked public debate in Panama, where the presence of U.S. troops recalls the era before 1999, when the U.S. controlled the canal and maintained military bases in the area.
Donald Trump openly expressed intentions to “restore” U.S. influence, claiming the canal had fallen under Chinese control. He mentioned plans to buy out ports near the canal and emphasized that American interests must come first.