American and Panamanian special operations forces executed a coordinated crisis response exercise at the U.S. Embassy in Panama in Panama City on December 5. The drill involved elite units from both nations working to secure the diplomatic compound during a simulated emergency scenario. Officials stated the training aimed to validate joint response protocols and enhance interoperability for real-world incidents.
Participating forces included operators from the U.S. Navy SEALs and the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne). They trained alongside their counterparts from Panama’s Dirección Nacional de Fuerzas Especiales, known as DINFEE. The exercise focused on rapid deployment, site security, and tactical coordination within the embassy’s confines.
Validating Bilateral Response Protocols
Military spokespersons described the event as a critical step in strengthening the security partnership between the two countries. Such drills are not uncommon but represent a continuous effort to refine procedures. The footage from the exercise, provided by a U.S. Army specialist, was intentionally altered for personal security by blurring identifiable features of personnel and equipment.
“This exercise validated crisis response actions and improved bilateral coordination between U.S. and Panamanian special operations forces,” a joint command statement read. [Translated from Spanish]
The statement emphasized that readiness is a shared priority. This latest exercise builds upon a longstanding history of bilateral coordination between U.S. Southern Command and Panamanian security forces. Training often covers a range of potential high-threat situations requiring a swift, decisive reaction.
Immediate next steps involve after-action reviews where both teams will analyze performance data. These debriefings help identify strengths and areas for improvement in the joint response plan. The collaboration ensures both nations are prepared to protect diplomatic facilities and personnel effectively.
Panama’s role as a strategic partner makes this type of training essential for regional security. The proficiency of panamanian special operations forces continues to grow through these exchanges. Regular exercises also reinforce the operational agreements that govern such sensitive joint actions for specific security purposes.