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The newly enlarged Panama Canal will be the focus of Exercise PANAMAX, led by Chile, Colombia and Peru. Canadian participation in the U.S. Southern Command- sponsored exercise consists of 10 Regular and Reserve Force members from 5th Canadian Division. They will be involved in the exercise from July 29 to August 5.

With more than 2,100 military personnel from 20 nations participating, the purpose of Exercise PANAMAX is to practice methods of protecting the safe passage of commercial traffic through the canal, while ensuring its neutrality and respecting national sovereignty, the Canadian Forces noted in a news release.

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Eight of the 5th Canadian Division soldiers will assist in the Chilean-led land component in Santiago and a team of two soldiers will be part of the simulation-based training portion in San Antonio, Texas.

Nations participating in Exercise PANAMAX include: Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, France, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and the United States.