Capital, banking hub, Pacific gateway to the Canal
Colombia is joining the Shield of the Americas coalition, aligning with the US-led effort against drug cartels. The announcement comes as the Trump administration urges allies to reject the ICC, arguing the court intrudes on sovereignty. Rights groups warn of legal and civilian risks amid intensified regional security operations.
The Trump administration has extended its counter-narcotics campaign in Latin America, pursuing joint ground operations with allied nations after earlier drone and naval actions. Colombia, Guatemala and Honduras have agreed to allow U.S. forces to operate on land against narco-terrorist networks, while Ecuador joins similar missions. Critics warn of civilian harm and sovereignty concerns as partnerships deepen.
The Panama Canal Authority has reduced daily transit capacity due to drought linked to El Niño. From September 3, capacity drops from 36 to 34 ships per day, and from September 15 it falls to 32, signaling tighter restrictions amid dry spells that threaten global shipping and water supplies.
A strong earthquake centered near Pitaloza Arriba has triggered tsunami warnings for Panama and neighboring coastal nations. Tremors have shaken Panama City as aftershocks continue; authorities are assessing damage and advising calm as schools and services respond.
A powerful 7.7-magnitude quake has shaken Panama, collapsing structures and injuring dozens. Authorities report no confirmed deaths, as aftershocks roll across the isthmus and emergency operations coordinate relief efforts.
Hurricane Isaias has struck near Destin, Florida as a Category 2 storm and has weakened as it moved inland through Alabama. The system has cut power to hundreds of thousands, caused at least four storm-related deaths from fallen trees and a generator, and is producing heavy rain and flash-flood risks across the southeastern US.
A sequence of earthquakes in Panama, including a magnitude 7.7 and 6.6 Friday, has damaged buildings, prompted evacuations across provinces and Indigenous territories, and drawn regional and US humanitarian support. Seismologists report dozens of aftershocks as authorities assess damage and coordinate relief.