In support of PANAMAX 13, faculty from the Perry Center conducted a tabletop exercise on August 2, 2013, to assist the Government of Panama in responding to possible security threats. This exercise looked at the procedure for requesting international security assistance in response to an external threat to the Panama Canal.
The exercise used an interagency team to generate a response to hypothetical terrorist attacks on key infrastructure supporting operations of the canal. The participation of senior Panamanian cabinet officials and the leadership of the Panamanian Public Forces allowed the players to work through the political and operational considerations necessary to respond to high level threats to the canal. This is the second year in a row that the Perry Center has conducted an exercise for senior Panamanian officials as a precursor event for PANAMAX. Previous exercises were cited by government ministers as instrumental in preparing the government and the country to respond to crisis situations more effectively.
Minister of the Presidency HenrÃquez requested a briefing of the results of the exercise on Monday, August 5, at the Presidential Palace, during which he expressed appreciation for the Perry Center’s support.
