Dominican Republic Authorizes U.S. Military Use of Airports in Drug War Escalation
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – The Dominican Republic has unexpectedly authorized the United States to temporarily utilize two of its airports for military operations, a move signaling a meaningful escalation in the joint effort to combat drug trafficking and organized crime in the Caribbean. The agreement,announced this week,allows U.S. forces to use Dominican air bases as staging grounds for counter-narcotics missions, a progress lauded by Washington as bolstering regional security.
This decision comes amid increasing U.S. pressure on cartels operating in the Western Hemisphere, which officials have likened to terrorist organizations. The move also reflects a deepening security partnership under the Trump administration,with the Dominican Republic positioned as a key regional leader in the fight against drug trafficking. The use of Dominican air space is intended to enhance the U.S.’s ability to disrupt the flow of narcotics and dismantle criminal networks, perhaps impacting countries throughout the Americas.
Dominican Republic Defense minister, as quoted by Semana, emphasized the commitment to citizen safety and regional prosperity, stating, “We are defending our citizens, we seek security so that our countries continue to prosper, to put an end to so much violence and save tens of thousands of lives.” He further highlighted the strengthening alliance with the U.S., noting President Trump’s role in reinforcing these partnerships.
The U.S.has already engaged in direct action, having reportedly targeted at least 21 vessels suspected of narco-trafficking, resulting in over 80 fatalities. The Dominican Republic’s authorization of U.S. military access is expected to amplify these efforts.
According to officials, the security of borders is a shared priority. “One of them is the security of its borders, for us the security of our borders is very important, so says President Trump, and it seems to me that they should also say it here, in this country,” the Defense Minister added. The Dominican Republic’s willingness to collaborate underscores the growing regional concern over the destabilizing influence of drug cartels and the perceived need for a more assertive response.
