Cubans at Operation Safe Haven's Community Camp One returned to their tents
this afternoon after disturbances from yesterday rekindled this morning.
Approximately 18 U.S. military personnel were transported to Gorgas Army
Medical Hospital with 10 admitted for treatment.
In addition, 10 Cubans were
admitted.
None of the injuries were considered life-threatening.
The
disturbance occurred when more than 1,000 Cubans left their camp areas at
various times.
Additionally, there was damage to camp facilities, military and
civilian vehicles.
Yesterday's unrest resulted from a false perception that the parole process was
purposefully being delayed by Safe Haven personnel, according to Brig. Gen.
James Wilson, Task Force commander.
In both cases, U.S. security forces from several locations in Panama responded
on call to restore order.
The on-scene forces, which number about 530, were
augmented with three Infantry companies (about 300 soldiers), about 150
additional Air Force security police and an additional Army Military Police
company (about 185 soldiers).
Units from the Atlantic side of the canal and
units conducting training in the area were also alerted and were prepared to
respond.
A U.S. Navy boat also increased patrolling in that area of the
canal.
The majority of Cubans have returned to their camps.
Authorities have located
about 200 who have not returned and are working to bring them back to the
camps.
Currently, there are more than 8,500 Cubans living in the Operation Safe Haven
camps.
Further information will be provided as it becomes available.
