(Adnkronos) – The White House has asked the Pentagon to formulate plans to increase the US military presence in Panama to achieve Donald Trump’s stated goal of “reclaiming the Panama Canal to strengthen our national security,” NBC News reveals, adding that the U.S. Southern Command is developing possible plans ranging from closer collaboration with the Panamanian military to the less likely option of the US military taking control of the canal by force. However, the broadcaster’s sources specify that the use of military force will depend on whether the Panamanian military agrees to cooperate with the United States.
According to NBC News, the commander of U.S. Southern Command, Adm. Alvin Holsey, this week presented drafts of these plans to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who is scheduled to visit Panama next month. Sources caution that a U.S. invasion of Panama is unlikely and would only be seriously considered if a larger U.S. military presence in Panama does not achieve Trump’s goal of ‘reclaiming’ the canal.
