US army resumes jungle drills in Panama after 25-year break
Photo: Classes resume amid some signals from Trump (Getty Images)
After a 25-year hiatus, the US military has resumed operations at its jungle training school in Panama, according to Bloomberg.
The goal of the mission and the joint exercises with Panamanian forces is to enhance combat readiness for jungle warfare.
Bloomberg reports that the lessons in jungle survival, medical evacuation, and patrols being taught to soldiers, sailors, and Marines have taken on new significance.
This is due to signals from US President Donald Trump regarding his readiness to strike the leaders of Mexican drug cartels or dismantle Cuba’s defenses. These warnings seem even more convincing following his unexpected capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in January.
The media also notes that the situation escalated after Trump unveiled a security strategy in late 2025 that, in his words, would ensure American dominance in the Western hemisphere.
"He’s floated the idea of attacking clandestine drug labs, pushed for regime change in Cuba and mulled taking back the Panama Canal by force," the agency states.
Trump has ordered the largest-scale buildup of military power in Latin America in history, as his administration seeks to secure access to resources such as oil, lithium, and rare earth metals. In addition, the US intends to protect shipping lanes, combat drug cartels, curb illegal migration, and counter China, which has been strengthening its influence in the Americas for 20 years.
Increased military presence in Panama
In March 2025, media reports indicated that the United States was preparing plans to increase its military presence in Panama. These plans are part of US President Donald Trump’s strategy.
In February 2025, Pentagon Chief Pete Hegseth held talks with Panama's Minister of Public Security, Frank Ábrego, and with President José Raúl Mulino. During the conversation, the parties discussed, among other things, the issue of protecting the Panama Canal.
