President Donald Trump has ordered the US military to draw up plans to seize the Panama Canal in his bid to ‘reclaim’ the waterway, insiders have claimed.

The US Southern Command has developed an array of potential plans to ensure the America has full access to the Panama Canal, two military sources confirmed to Reuters.

Draft strategies reportedly range from partnering closely with Panamanian security forces to using American troops to forcibly seize the waterway, which officials say is the less likely option.

Officials allege Adm. Alvin Holsey, commander of US Southern Command, presented the proposals to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth this week. Hegseth is reportedly visiting Panama next month.

Trump has asserted that the US needs to take back the canal because China controls it and could use the waterway to undermine American interests.