US EditionDominican Republic Grants US Access to Restricted Areas for Its Deadly Fight Against Drugs
Agreement allows U.S. to use Dominican Republic bases temporarily, enhancing drug interdiction with KC-135 and C-130 aircraft, amid a regional rise in cocaine production.
- On Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025, Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader authorised limited U.S. use of restricted areas at San Isidro Air Base and Las Américas International Airport for logistical operations, confirmed by U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth during his Santo Domingo visit.
- Against a backdrop of increased regional narcotics flows, the arrangement aims to strengthen the Dominican Armed Forces' defenses amid Washington's pressure on Venezuela after the Cartel de los Soles designation.
- U.S. assets slated for the operation include KC-135 tanker aircraft supporting extended patrols and refueling partner planes, while C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft handle evacuations, firefighting, and disaster relief.
- The deal represents the first major public agreement of its kind, with Dominican authorities seizing about 500 kilograms of cocaine alongside U.S. forces earlier this month.
- At least 83 people have been killed since early September, and more than 20 vessels destroyed, stoking regional tensions as experts link the strikes to pressure on Nicolás Maduro and the anti-US march in Caracas on Tuesday.
128 Articles
128 Articles
Dominican Republic Permits US Limited Access to Bases in War Against Drug Trafficking
Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader on Wednesday announced a limited agreement permitting the United States temporary access to restricted areas for refueling aircraft and moving equipment as Washington continues to expand its fight against drug trafficking in the Caribbean. While flanked by U.S. War Secretary Pete Hegseth, Abinader outlined the agreement at San Isidro Air Base and Las Américas International Airport, underscoring its stra…
In future, the US will be able to use infrastructure in the Dominican Republic to combat suspected drug boats in the Caribbean.
Dominican Republic grants US access to restricted areas for its deadly fight against drugs
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader announced Wednesday that he has authorized the U.S. government to operate inside restricted areas in the Caribbean country to help in its fight against drug trafficking.
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