• The Dominican Republic has authorized the US to operate in restricted areas to combat drug trafficking.
• The agreement allows US aircraft to refuel at strategic locations, enhancing anti-drug efforts.
• President Abinader emphasizes the temporary and limited nature of this authorization.
• At least 83 deaths have occurred due to US-led operations targeting drug smuggling in the region.
• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recognizes the Dominican Republic's commitment to fighting drug trafficking.

The Dominican Republic's President Luis Abinader announced that he has authorized the U.S. government to operate within restricted areas of the country to combat drug trafficking. This cooperation allows the U.S. to use facilities at the San Isidro Air Base and Las Américas International Airport for a limited time to refuel aircraft and transport necessary personnel, enhancing logistical operations against narcotics smuggling, according to latimes, lemonde, and aa.

This agreement marks a significant development in U.S.-Caribbean relations, as it is the first major public pact made by the U.S. with a Caribbean nation to strengthen action against drug smuggling. Since early September, the U.S. has conducted over 20 military strikes in the region leading to at least 83 fatalities, according to reports by latimes and lemonde.

In providing this access, Abinader emphasized that the scope of the U.S. operations is "technical, limited, and temporary," aimed at highlighting the Dominican Republic's role in preventing drug trafficking. He stated, “The purpose is clear: to strengthen the air and maritime protection ring maintained by our Armed Forces,” according to latimes and aa.

Defense Secretary Hegseth praised the Dominican Republic's commitment to addressing narcotics-related issues, asserting that the U.S. remains committed to working closely with its allies to secure borders. He pointed out that the U.S. possesses strong intelligence capabilities to address drug-related activities, a sentiment echoed in multiple reports from lemonde and aa.

Furthermore, the announcement follows speculations that these military operations may also be intended to exert pressure on the Venezuelan government amid its ongoing political crises. Hegseth's remarks in Santo Domingo indicate a broader U.S. strategy regarding regional stability and narcotics control, according to latimes and lemonde.