security

Drills simulate undersea threats

Organizers of security exercises taking place off Panama's Pacific and Atlantic coasts this week have added a twist.

Security personnel participating in the exercises will have to deal with dangers lurking under the sea's surface, as well as on top of it.

The drills will include the use of mini-subs, which authorities believe are being used to transport drugs from Colombia to North America.

These subs can move virtually undetected, making it difficult for authorities to track them.

At the opening of the exercises, newly-appointed Viceministro de Seguridad Rodrigo Cigarruista said that these subs represent a substantial security risk because they can be used by terrorists as well as drug smugglers. He outlined a scenario in which a sub loaded with explosives could be used to attack the Panama Canal.

There are 7,000 people from 20 countries participating in the exercises, which will continue through Aug. 22. They are working on tactics such as port security and locating and searching suspicious vessels.

Another goal of the exercise is to allow the security forces from the different countries to exchange information and to open lines of communication between them.