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[SITUATION] · [QUIET] · [CRIME]

3 clusters · 9 sources · 10 days · First seen · Last updated

Panama-Colombia border security operations

Overview

Panama initiated a unilateral military effort titled “Operation Steel Shield-Phase V” to increase security along its border with Colombia. Following violence in Colombia, Panama deployed its National Border Service to conduct maritime patrols and strengthen the state presence in strategic areas, specifically targeting threats in the Darien Gap region.

This security effort evolved into joint operations between Panamanian and Colombian authorities aimed at dismantling the criminal infrastructure of the Clan del Golfo. These coordinated actions focus on eradicating coca plantations, targeting illegal mining camps, and disrupting illicit activities such as drug trafficking and migrant smuggling. Recent joint efforts have resulted in the capture of 30 individuals.

As part of the ongoing crackdown, Panamanian border authorities through the National Border Service (Senafront) arrested 21 Colombian nationals suspected of involvement in illegal mining near the Pito River headwaters. During this operation, agents discovered improvised camps and equipment used for illegal extraction, activities reportedly controlled by the Clan del Golfo. This deployment involves over 700 Senafront special agents stationed at tactical points and binational surveillance posts along the 266-kilometer jungle border to combat illicit economies.

Entities

Colombia · Darien Gap · Panama · Clan del Golfo · Senafront

Timeline

  1. 23 days ago

    [CRIME] 3 sources
    Panama arrests 21 Colombians for illegal mining in Darien

    Panamanian authorities arrested 21 Colombians in the Darien Gap for suspected illegal mining linked to the Clan del Golfo criminal group.

  2. 28 days ago

    [CRIME] 6 sources
    Panama and Colombia launch joint operations in Darien Gap to combat Clan del Golfo

    Panama and Colombia are conducting joint operations in the Darien Gap to combat the Clan del Golfo’s control over coca cultivation, illegal gold mining, and migrant smuggling.

  3. about 1 month ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    Panama launches military operation near Colombian border

    Panama launched

Sources

almanar.com.lb · almanartv.com.lb · cablenoticias.tv · eje21.com.co · finalweapon.net · lapatilla.com · newsroompanama.com · noti-rse.com · panamaamerica.com.pa

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history