President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic has announced a new agreement with the United States to enhance collaboration in the fight against international organized crime. The accord permits the Pentagon to utilize restricted areas at both the San Isidro Air Base and Las Américas International Airport for refueling operations, transporting military equipment, and facilitating the movement of technical personnel.
The decision comes amid growing concerns over the rise of transnational criminal organizations in the Caribbean region. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who met with President Abinader at the National Palace in Santo Domingo, emphasized the importance of this partnership in addressing shared security challenges. The agreement is expected to bolster joint operations targeting drug trafficking, human smuggling, and other illicit activities that threaten regional stability.
This development marks a significant step in strengthening the security ties between the Dominican Republic and the United States. The use of military infrastructure in the Dominican Republic will provide logistical support for U.S. efforts in the region, allowing for more rapid response to security threats. Analysts suggest that this cooperation could also have implications for broader regional security initiatives, potentially influencing the strategies of other Latin American nations in their own counter-crime operations.