Dominican Republic Grants US Access to Military bases for anti-Drug Operations
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – The dominican Republic has authorized the United States to temporarily utilize a military air base and an international airport for anti-drug operations in the Caribbean, President Luis Abinader announced Wednesday following a meeting with U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.
The agreement allows the U.S. access to restricted areas at the San Isidro Air Base and Las Américas International Airport for logistical support, including refueling aircraft and transporting equipment and personnel. This move comes as the U.S. increases its efforts to disrupt drug trafficking routes through the Caribbean, deploying a significant naval presence in recent months. The collaboration aims to bolster the Dominican Republic’s existing air and maritime security measures, strengthening the region’s defenses against narcotics and transnational organized crime.
According to President Abinader, the purpose of the agreement is “to strengthen the air and maritime protection ring maintained by our armed forces, a decisive reinforcement to prevent the entry of narcotics and deal a more forceful blow against transnational organized crime.” the U.S. Secretary of Defense arrived in Santo Domingo earlier Wednesday to discuss expanding joint security actions with Dominican officials.
the agreement will facilitate logistical operations for the U.S., enabling more effective air and maritime surveillance. Access to the facilities will allow for quicker response times and increased operational capacity in the region.
The U.S. has recently increased its military presence in the Caribbean, citing the need to counter the flow of illegal drugs. This latest development underscores a deepening security partnership between the two nations as they work to address shared challenges in the fight against drug trafficking.
