U.S. Navy SEALs and Panamanian Special Forces Conduct Joint Operation at U.S. Embassy in Panama

Panama City, Panama; December 15th, 2025.

U.S. Navy SEALs and Panamanian Special Forces carried out a coordinated operation at the United States Embassy in Panama City as part of a joint security and readiness effort, according to information released by THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE. The operation took place within the embassy compound and involved U.S. special operations forces working alongside Panamanian elite units in a controlled security environment designed to test response capabilities, coordination, and interoperability during high-risk scenarios involving diplomatic facilities.

The Department of Defense stated that the operation formed part of ongoing U.S. security cooperation with Panama, reflecting long-standing bilateral defense relationships in the region. U.S. officials described the activity as a planned operation intended to validate procedures used to protect U.S. diplomatic missions, personnel, and infrastructure, particularly in situations requiring rapid, coordinated action between U.S. forces and host-nation security units.

According to THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, U.S. Navy SEALs participating in the operation are assigned to Naval Special Warfare elements operating under U.S. Southern Command’s regional oversight. These units routinely conduct joint operations and readiness activities with partner nations to ensure shared standards, communication protocols, and tactical compatibility. Panamanian Special Forces involved in the operation are part of Panama’s national security apparatus tasked with responding to high-risk incidents and protecting critical national and international facilities.

The Department of Defense emphasized that operations conducted at U.S. embassies are structured to simulate real-world contingencies that could threaten diplomatic personnel, including attempted intrusions, coordinated attacks, or other security emergencies. By conducting operations within embassy grounds, participating forces are able to rehearse access control, secure movement, communication flow, and coordinated response actions in an environment that closely mirrors potential real-world conditions.

U.S. officials noted that embassy security operations are distinct from conventional military exercises conducted on bases or training ranges. Diplomatic facilities present unique challenges, including restricted spaces, civilian presence, international legal considerations, and the necessity of close coordination with host-nation authorities. Joint operations such as the one conducted in Panama City are designed to ensure that all participating units understand their roles, authorities, and responsibilities in the event of a crisis affecting U.S. diplomatic missions.

The Department of Defense stated that the Panama operation was conducted in cooperation with U.S. Embassy security personnel and Panamanian authorities, reinforcing established command relationships and rules of engagement. Officials emphasized that no injuries, hostile engagements, or unplanned incidents occurred during the operation, and that the activity was not conducted in response to a specific intelligence threat. Instead, the operation was described as proactive, aimed at maintaining readiness and deterrence through visible cooperation and preparedness.

U.S. Southern Command has long identified Central America as a region where close security partnerships are essential due to transnational criminal activity, trafficking networks, and other destabilizing forces that can impact regional security. While the Department of Defense did not link the Panama operation to any specific criminal or terrorist threat, officials have repeatedly stated that embassy security operations are a critical component of protecting U.S. interests in regions where organized criminal groups and other non-state actors operate across borders.

Historically, joint operations involving U.S. special operations forces and partner-nation units have played a central role in U.S. embassy protection strategies worldwide. Such operations allow U.S. forces to operate within the legal and operational frameworks of host nations while ensuring rapid response capability should a diplomatic facility come under threat. Panamanian participation in the operation reflects Panama’s role as a key regional partner in U.S. security cooperation efforts.

The Department of Defense underscored that joint operations and readiness activities are conducted routinely across multiple regions, with the goal of preventing crises rather than reacting to them after the fact. By maintaining interoperability and shared procedures, U.S. and partner-nation forces aim to reduce response time, limit confusion during emergencies, and protect lives.

U.S. officials have consistently stated that embassy security remains a top priority following past attacks on diplomatic missions worldwide. Operations such as the one conducted in Panama City are part of broader efforts to ensure that U.S. embassies are not only physically secured, but supported by trained, coordinated response forces capable of acting decisively if required.

The Department of Defense concluded that continued cooperation with Panamanian security forces strengthens regional stability and enhances the safety of U.S. diplomatic personnel, reinforcing the United States’ commitment to maintaining secure diplomatic operations abroad through preparedness, partnership, and sustained engagement.

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Sources

Primary First-Hand Sources

• THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, official information on joint operations involving U.S. Navy SEALs and Panamanian Special Forces
• UNITED STATES SOUTHERN COMMAND, regional security cooperation and operational oversight
• UNITED STATES EMBASSY PANAMA, diplomatic security coordination framework