U.S. Military Operations Authorized in the Dominican Republic to Combat Drug Trafficking

On November 26, 2025, President Luis Abinader of the Dominican Republic announced a significant agreement allowing the U.S. military to temporarily operate within restricted areas of the country. This decision aims to bolster efforts against drug trafficking in the Caribbean. The announcement was made during a news conference in Santo Domingo, alongside U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

New York Times

Under this agreement, the U.S. military is permitted to utilize restricted zones at the San Isidro Air Base and Las Américas International Airport. These areas will be used for refueling aircraft and transporting equipment and personnel. This collaboration comes amid ongoing U.S. military operations targeting drug trafficking boats in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific, with over 20 strikes conducted since September, resulting in at least 83 fatalities.

New York Times

President Abinader emphasized the purpose of this agreement, stating, “The purpose is clear: to strengthen the air and maritime protection ring maintained by our armed forces.” He described the initiative as a decisive measure to prevent narcotics entry and combat transnational organized crime.

New York Times

This military collaboration marks the first major agreement between the Trump administration and the Dominican Republic. However, the specifics of what the Dominican Republic will gain from this partnership remain unclear. The duration of U.S. operations in these restricted areas has not been disclosed, raising questions about the long-term implications for Dominican sovereignty and security.

New York Times

During the press conference, Secretary Hegseth praised the Dominican Republic's commitment to combating drug trafficking and assured that the U.S. would respect the nation's sovereignty. He stated, “The Dominican Republic has stepped up,” highlighting the importance of this partnership in addressing regional security challenges.

New York Times

While the agreement has been framed as a necessary step in the fight against drug trafficking, some critics have raised concerns about the potential erosion of Dominican sovereignty. The lack of detailed information regarding the agreement's terms and the absence of a public discourse on the implications of U.S. military presence have led to calls for greater transparency.

New York Times

As the agreement unfolds, there are uncertainties regarding the specific benefits for the Dominican Republic and the operational limits placed on U.S. forces. The absence of detailed terms and conditions has left many questions unanswered, particularly about the potential impact on local communities and governance.

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• “The purpose is clear: to strengthen the air and maritime protection ring maintained by our armed forces,” — Luis Abinader, President of the Dominican Republic

New York Times

• “The Dominican Republic has stepped up,” — Pete Hegseth, U.S. Defense Secretary

New York Times

This agreement represents a pivotal moment in U.S.-Dominican relations, with significant implications for regional security and drug trafficking efforts.

New York Times