SAN JUAN: Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader announced Wednesday that he has authorized the US government to operate inside restricted areas in the Caribbean country to help in its fight against drug trafficking.
For a limited time, the US can refuel aircraft and transport equipment and technical personnel at restricted areas within the San Isidro Air Base and Las Américas International Airport, said Abinader, who made the announcement with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at his side.
Hegseth was in Santo Domingo Wednesday to meet with the country’s top leaders, including Abinader and Minister of Defense Lt. Gen. Carlos Antonio Fernández Onofre.
It is the first major public agreement that the US has struck with a Caribbean nation as it seeks friendly allies to support its attacks against alleged drug-smuggling boats in the region and beyond. Since the strikes began in early September, at least 83 people have been killed.
Hegseth said the Dominican Republic was a regional leader willing to take on hard challenges.
