U.S. Military in Panama Moving to On-Base Housing

More than half of the U.S. military personnel in Panama have moved from private homes to the safety of U.S. military bases because of Washington’s dispute with Gen. Manuel A. Noriega, a Defense Department spokesman said Wednesday.

“There is a perceived threat to U.S. individuals and property,” the spokesman said, adding that Noriega followers had stepped up harassment of U.S. service personnel since the Panamanian military leader took power in February.

American officials have urged the military personnel living off base in Panama City to move to U.S. government installations. About 1,550 of the 2,450 military personnel and their families have moved since April, the spokesman said.

Once close allies, relations between the United States and Panama deteriorated after Noriega’s indictment in Miami on drug-trafficking charges and his ouster of President Eric A. Delvalle, who is in hiding.

Washington continues to recognize Delvalle as the legitimate president of Panama, home to the U.S. Southern Command, Washington’s regional military headquarters.

The United States has also imposed stiff economic sanctions designed to force Noriega to step down from power.

State Department spokeswoman Phyllis Oakley warned earlier this week that Washington would do whatever was necessary to protect Americans in Panama.