Author: spieper

Panama’s National Border Service (Senafront) has dismantled a major criminal network and deactivated improvised explosive devices in the treacherous Darién Gap. The operation, conducted on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, resulted in multiple arrests and significant weapons seizures, highlighting the escalating security challenges in the remote border region with Colombia.Senafront Director Larry Solís Velásquez detailed the successes of “Operation Sentinel.” His forces captured Colombian migrant smugglers, known as “coyotes,” and neutralized several deadly explosive traps. Authorities directly linked these activities to the transnational criminal organizations Tren de Aragua and the Gulf Clan (Clan del Golfo).Explosive Devices and Criminal InfiltrationThe operation launched…

Panama’s Copa Airlines has prolonged its suspension of flights to and from Caracas, Venezuela, for the rest of the year. The carrier announced the decision on Tuesday, December 16, citing ongoing issues with the main runway at the Venezuelan capital’s primary airport. Operations will remain halted until at least Thursday, January 15, 2026. Company officials stated they expect the main runway at Simón Bolívar International Airport (Maiquetía) to be fully operational again by that date. The required repairs include restoring its critical Instrument Landing System (ILS), a key safety feature for guiding aircraft in poor visibility. Airline Tests Alternate Cargo…

Panama is leading a major regional security initiative this week, hosting a two-day training session for Latin American and Caribbean officials. The event focuses on strengthening measures to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Representatives from across the region gathered in Panama City on Monday to enhance coordination and legal frameworks against this global threat.The workshop specifically aims to build the capacity of national points of contact responsible for implementing United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540. Adopted in 2004, this binding resolution obligates all UN member states to refrain from supporting non-state actors seeking nuclear, chemical, or biological…

The Panamanian government officially revoked its economic countermeasures against Ecuador on Tuesday, December 16. This decisive action by the Cabinet of Panama follows Ecuador’s removal of the Central American nation from its discriminatory list of fiscal jurisdictions.Authorities stated the retaliatory measures, originally imposed in response to Ecuador’s listing, are no longer necessary. The diplomatic and economic shift stems from a formal tax information exchange agreement signed by both countries on August 15.A Bilateral Agreement Paves the WayThat August agreement established a framework for the automatic exchange of tax information. Its core purpose is preventing hidden income and strengthening institutional capacity…

Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino will travel to Chile in March 2026 for the inauguration of President-elect Jose Antonio Kast. The two leaders agreed to relaunch bilateral relations during a phone call on Monday, December 15, 2025.Mulino accepted a formal invitation from Kast to attend the swearing-in ceremony. The Panamanian president was accompanied by Foreign Minister Javier Martinez Acha during the diplomatic conversation, according to an official statement from the Presidency of Panama.Focus on Shared Interests and Future VisitsPresident Mulino emphasized the common ground between the two nations. He specifically noted Chile’s status as a primary user of the Panama…

Panamanian government officials have defined a new consultation roadmap for the planned electricity interconnection with Colombia. The high-level meeting, held at the Presidential Palace on December 16, 2025, focused on advancing social agreements with Indigenous communities along the project’s path before construction begins.The session was led by Minister of the Presidency Juan Carlos Orillac. He stated the goal was to evaluate progress in talks with communities located along the route of the future high-voltage line. This project is a stated priority for President José Raúl Mulino’s administration.Orillac emphasized the need to address social concerns proactively to prevent future delays. The…

Panama has officially begun a two year process to merge its two main public healthcare providers. The Ministry of Health (Minsa) and the Social Security Fund (CSS) will integrate services starting in the provinces of Herrera and Los Santos, with a goal of nationwide operation by late 2027. This ambitious reform aims to dismantle a fragmented system that has long created inefficiencies and unequal access for millions of Panamanians.Technical teams from both institutions have already completed initial diagnostic visits in the pilot regions. They assessed available infrastructure, human resources, assigned populations, and installed capacity. This data will form the foundation…

The United States Embassy in Panama and its agricultural office have unveiled a significantly expanded commercial agenda for 2026. This robust strategy aims to strengthen the presence of American food and beverage products in the Panamanian market. The plan includes increased participation in international trade shows, organized buyer missions, and a major expansion of the popular Sabor USA promotional program.Officials detailed the calendar of events during a launch ceremony in Panama City on December 15, 2025. The strategy forms part of a broader regional effort to consolidate Panama as a key distribution and consumption hub for American goods. This push…

The Panama City Mayor’s Office successfully held its annual Christmas parade on Sunday afternoon. The “City of Stars” event proceeded along the capital’s main Nicanor de Obarrio Avenue, commonly known as Calle 50, featuring festive floats and marching bands for thousands of spectators.Heavy rain began falling just minutes after the parade’s 3:00 p.m. start. Participants and attendees faced a sudden downpour, but the event continued without interruption as organizers and city officials pushed forward with the planned schedule.Parade Opens With Traditional FanfareThe Colonel Segundo Villarreal Institute band from Villa de Los Santos had the honor of leading the procession. They…

The National Migration Service (Panama) recently hosted a special film debate for its staff. This event aimed to spark reflection on disability and inclusion within the government agency. Organized through the Office of Gender Equity and Equal Opportunity (OEGEO) from the Ministry of Security, the session used cinema as a catalyst for conversation. Employees gathered to analyze the experiences and challenges faced by people with disabilities, viewing them through a narrative lens. Officials described the forum as a key step in building a more empathetic institutional culture. It provided a structured yet open space for staff to share perspectives they…