Panamanian authorities have tightened security along the border with Colombia after two armed attacks on Colombian territory, in which a police officer was killed and several others were injured.
The decision was announced on Sunday, just a day after Panama's new president, Abelardo de la Esperanza, took office promising tough measures against organized crime and armed groups.
Panama and Colombia share a border of about 266 kilometers, most of which runs through the Darien jungle, one of the most difficult areas to control in the region and with extremely limited road infrastructure.
Following the attacks, Panama's Ministry of Security announced that agents from the National Border Service (SENAFRONT) and the National Aeronaval Service (SENAN) have increased their presence in the border area.
Authorities said they will strengthen surveillance and control of the territory, with the aim of preventing illegal crossings and directly targeting criminal organizations.
SENAFRONT Director General Larry Solis stated that the objective is to strengthen border and coastal control, as well as the fight against groups that carry out criminal activities.
## Fear of infiltration by Colombian groups
There are concerns in Panama that the escalation of violence in Colombia could push criminal organizations towards Panamanian territory.
Among the groups most frequently mentioned are Clan del Golfo and suspected members of the National Liberation Army (ELN), who could exploit the difficult terrain of Darién to cross the border.
However, just a few days ago, Panamanian Minister of Public Security, Frank Ambrego, had downplayed the risk of such an infiltration.
He said that Panamanian authorities were relying on information exchanged with Colombian counterparts and that there was no concrete data indicating an immediate threat.
Ambrego also called on citizens not to spread panic and avoid speculation.
-Panama conducts military exercises to protect the Canal
The strengthening of border security comes at a time when Panama is conducting, along with about 20 other countries, including the United States, a series of military exercises to protect the Panama Canal.
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth is expected to attend the closing ceremony of the exercises on Thursday.
Panamanian authorities have stressed that the new measures aim to prevent any spread of violence and criminal activity from Colombia to Panamanian territory, especially through the difficult Darien area.
