Why the US Military Is Training in Panama as Trump Keeps Latin America on Edge

American soldiers are back in Panama for jungle training with Panamanian forces after a 25-year break, reflecting a Trump administration refocus on the Western Hemisphere. This training is part of a significant US military buildup in Latin America, following the removal of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, which Trump views as a success. While some right-wing Latin American leaders support this expanded US presence to combat criminal cartels, others oppose it, fearing instability. The US defense chief announced a revival of three military bases in Panama, echoing a history that includes the 1989 invasion to remove Manuel Noriega. US jungle training in Panama ceased in 1999 when treaties mandated the transfer of US bases and the Panama Canal to Panama. The current training emphasizes survival and operating in challenging jungle environments, preparing soldiers for potential future operations across the hemisphere, including in Colombia, Mexico, and Cuba. This aligns with the Trump administration's "more muscular, aggressive US posture" towards the region, reinterpreting the Monroe Doctrine. The Panama Canal, vital for global trade and US economy, is a key strategic asset. The US and Panama are obligated to protect the canal, highlighting the importance of readiness, despite hopes that such training will never be needed for actual conflict.