Dominican Republic Expands U.S. Access in Drug Trafficking Fight

The Dominican Republic has granted the United States government permission to operate within certain restricted areas as part of a collaborative effort to combat drug trafficking. President Luis Abinader announced this development during a press conference on November 26, 2025, alongside U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who was in Santo Domingo to meet with key government officials.

Under this agreement, U.S. forces will have the ability to refuel aircraft and transport essential equipment and personnel at the San Isidro Air Base and Las Américas International Airport. This marks the first significant public partnership between the U.S. and a Caribbean nation aimed at enhancing regional security against drug smuggling activities.

During the announcement, Abinader emphasized the need for strong international collaboration to tackle the growing threat posed by drug trafficking. He stated, “Our country faces a real threat, a threat that knows no borders, no flags, that destroys families, and that has been trying to use our territory for decades.”

Hegseth echoed these sentiments, asserting that the U.S. respects the sovereignty of the Dominican Republic while preparing for joint operations. He detailed that the U.S. aims to strengthen its air and maritime protection efforts, which are crucial in preventing narcotics from entering the country.

“The purpose is clear: to strengthen the air and maritime protection ring maintained by our Armed Forces, a decisive reinforcement to prevent the entry of narcotics and to strike a more decisive blow against transnational organized crime,” Hegseth remarked.

In addition, the agreement will involve the presence of several KC-135 tanker aircraft, which will support air patrol missions, thus enhancing monitoring and interdiction capabilities over extensive maritime and air domains. The U.S. aircraft will also provide refueling services to partner nations’ aircraft, ensuring sustained operations in tracking illicit smuggling activities.

According to reports, the Dominican Republic has seen a near tenfold increase in drug seizures over the past five years compared to the previous decade, largely due to enhanced cooperation with U.S. authorities. Abinader highlighted that no nation can confront the challenges of drug trafficking alone, underscoring the importance of alliances in combating this issue.

Hegseth praised Abinader’s leadership, stating that the Dominican Republic “understands the importance of standing up to narco-terrorists and narco-traffickers who flood our countries with drugs and violence.” He reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to the mission, emphasizing, “We’re deadly serious about this mission,” and pointed out the capabilities the U.S. possesses in gathering intelligence on drug trafficking operations.

This collaboration comes at a time when the U.S. has increased its military presence in the Caribbean, as it seeks to counteract the influence of drug cartels and enhance regional stability. The agreement with the Dominican Republic is part of a broader strategy to engage with Caribbean nations in the fight against drug-related crime.

As efforts intensify, the Dominican Republic is poised to play a critical role in the United States’ regional strategy, marking a significant step in international cooperation aimed at securing a safer environment free from the threats of drug trafficking.