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Americas Against Cartels Coalition meets in Panama to combat drug trafficking
The Americas Against Cartels Coalition (A3C), also known as the 'Shield of the Americas', is convening in Panama City to coordinate regional efforts against drug trafficking and transnational organized crime. The forum brings together security and defense authorities from approximately 18 to 19 countries, including the United States, Argentina, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic.
Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino opened the forum by identifying drug trafficking and narco-terrorism as the primary threats to regional stability and the Panama Canal. He emphasized that the canal is a strategic target for criminal organizations and called for unified action to break the cycle of violence and social disintegration.
The meeting coincides with the Panamax 2026 military exercise. U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth is scheduled to participate in the proceedings. Additionally, the U.S. Southern Command has established the Western Hemisphere Joint Task Force, which will act as the enforcement arm to address hemispheric threats. While the initiative aims for increased interoperability and intelligence sharing, some local groups in Panama have expressed opposition to increased U.S. military presence in the region.
Entities
Americas Against Cartels Coalition · Francis Donovan · José Raúl Mulino · Panama · Pete Hegseth · U.S. Southern Command
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Operation Southern Spear has targeted more than 60 vessels and resulted in 221 deaths. www.elcomercio.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Americas Against Cartels Coalition (A3C) forum began in Panama City on Tuesday. 2001online.com · www.elcomercio.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The forum is occurring simultaneously with the Panamax 2026 exercise. 2001online.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Western Hemisphere Joint Task Force will serve as the enforcement arm of the Southern Command. 2001online.com · www.elcomercio.com · oem.com.mx
- [● 2 SOURCES] U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth is scheduled to participate in the forum on Wednesday. 2001online.com · www.elcomercio.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] President Mulino stated that drug trafficking is the main enemy of the Panama Canal. elnuevodiario.com.do · www.panamaamerica.com.pa
- [● 4 SOURCES] President José Raúl Mulino identified drug trafficking and narco-terrorism as the primary threats to regional stability. destinopanama.com.pa · elnuevodiario.com.do · www.panamaamerica.com.pa · www.prensa-latina.cu