For Isabel Corro, Donald Trump’s suggestions that the US could use military force to take control of the Panama Canal evokes painful memories.

The 79-year-old vividly recalls rushing her children inside her apartment on 20 December 1989 as US army helicopters and fighter jets screamed over Panama City, turning buildings to piles of rubble with rockets and gunfire.

In Panama, where the scars of conflict with the US are still healing, Trump’s comments have provoked widespread anger.

The incident has strained relations with Panama’s government, which has said sovereignty over the canal is “non-negotiable” and accused Trump of lying about making an offer to buy it.

“The only hands operating the canal are Panamanian and that is how it is going to stay,” said the country’s foreign minister, Javier Martínez-Acha.

    • atzanteol@sh.itjust.works
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      2 days ago

      So they’re missing the 56 things that are being covered that Trump has done? It’s not like he gets zero bad press you know.

      You’re saying “it’s a distraction” but have yet to say what it’s a “distraction” from.