
The United States and El Salvador will co-host the multinational exercise CENTAM Guardian 26 at various locations in El Salvador from april 16-27, 2026. Military and security forces from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, Belize, the Dominican Republic, and the United States will participate in the exercise, building on the success of previous editions held annually since 2022.

This exercise reinforces the participating nations’ shared commitment to regional security and stability through joint training and enhanced interoperability. CENTAM Guardian 26 directly supports the strategic lines of effort of U.S. Southern Command by strengthening alliances and improving the region’s capacity to counter transnational threats.



“U.S. Southern Command’s approach has always been to foster and empower our allies and regional partners to contribute to our shared security”, said General Francis L. Donovan, commander of U.S. Southern Command. “We are now evolving this approach toward a purposeful partnership, focused on enabling our allies and partners to move forward alongside us to counter common security threats. Southern Command utilizes the full spectrum of enabling capabilities to achieve this, including joint training exercises”.

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



Residents of El Salvador may observe an increased security presence, including helicopters and military aircraft used for transporting personnel and supplies. These movements could begin before the official starting date of the exercise, as equipment and personnel are positioned.
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