Multinational Exercise CENTAM Guardian 2025 Strengthens Regional Security Cooperation

DORAL, Fla. (May 6, 2023) -- U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) and the Guatemalan Ministry of Defense will co-host the multinational exercise CENTAM GUARDIAN 2025 May 12-23 at various locations across Guatemala. Military and security forces from Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Honduras, and the United States will participate in the exercise, building upon the success of previous iterations held annually since 2018. 

This exercise reinforces the shared commitment of participating nations to regional stability, peace, and prosperity, and advances the White House’s “America First” Foreign Policy. CENTAM GUARDIAN 2025 directly supports SOUTHCOM's strategic lines of effort by strengthening partnerships and enhancing the region's capacity to counter transnational threats.

“Cartels and transnational criminal organizations’ illicit activities continue to destabilize communities, posing a threat in the region. These groups and malign state actors exert influence that threatens security, erodes democracies and challenges sovereignty,” said SOUTHCOM Commander Navy. Adm. Alvin Holsey.

“We must work together, train together and strengthen readiness together to collectively face these threats. Exercises like CENTAM GUARDIAN strengthen our partnerships and enhance our persistent efforts to combat regional threats,” he said.

The exercise will focus on developing agile and responsive forces prepared to address dynamic security challenges, including transnational threats, natural disasters, and humanitarian crises.  Participating forces will hone their interoperability and collective capacity to respond effectively to complex scenarios.

Residents of Guatemala may observe an increased security presence, including military helicopters and aircraft used for transporting personnel and supplies.  These movements may begin prior to the official start date of the exercise as equipment and personnel are positioned.

Media are invited to follow the exercise and access photo coverage at https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/Centamguardian25.

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