Costa Rica Joins Multinational CENTAM Guardian 26 Security Drills

Costa Rica’s public security forces participate in the CENTAM Guardian 26 exercises in El Salvador, focusing on transnational crime, cybersecurity, and disaster response.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 18, 2026, 7:33 AM EDT

Source: The Tico Times

Scope of the 2026 Exercises

The drills, which run through April 27, take place across multiple land, sea, and air sites in El Salvador. The 2026 edition of CENTAM Guardian is designed to build a "combined multinational force" capable of rapid response. Key training areas include:

Special Tactics & Law Enforcement: Focused on disrupting drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and gang activity.

Cybersecurity & Command: Enhancing the region's digital defenses and communication coordination.

Amphibious Operations: Improving maritime interdiction in the Pacific and Caribbean corridors.

Disaster Response: Search and rescue simulations and humanitarian emergency management.