The World : Panama Sees Plot, Jails 26

Panamanian authorities rounded up 26 people for allegedly conspiring to mount a U.S.-financed coup against military strongman Manuel A. Noriega. Lt. Col. Guillermo Wong, chief of intelligence for the Panama Defense Forces, said the coup was being organized from Panama and the United States and was funded through the U.S. embassies in Mexico City and Panama City. Wong said 26 Panamanians have been detained since last Thursday on charges of involvement in the alleged coup. Terence Kneebone, spokesman for the U.S. Embassy in Panama City, categorically denied U.S. involvement in the alleged conspiracy.