United States military personnel will allegedly be able to deploy to Panama-controlled facilities along the Panama Canal, under a joint deal seen by AFP.

The agreement allows US troops to be deployed to the sites for training, exercises and other activities, but does not give the US the right to build its own permanent bases, according to the news agency. Even so, the document signed by top Panamanian and US security officials enables the US to station an unspecified number of its troops at the facilities, albeit only after Panama agrees to any such deployment.

If confirmed, Panama's green light would mark a major concession to US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly vowed to retake the Panama Canal, claiming that China holds too much influence over the strategic waterway.