Caracas is sharply criticizing a new agreement granting the United States access to two Dominican Republic airports for counter-narcotics operations, alleging the move is part of a broader effort to destabilize the venezuelan government and exploit its resources. The agreement, announced Wednesday, allows for the use of the Las Américas and San Isidro airports to support U.S.operations in the Caribbean, prompting an immediate rebuke from Venezuelan officials and a call for heightened domestic preparedness as the U.S. reportedly prepares a new phase of Venezuela-related operations. This advancement comes as washington intensifies its focus on disrupting drug trafficking routes and regional security in the Western Hemisphere .
Venezuela’s second-highest ranking official has condemned a recent agreement allowing the United States to use two Dominican Republic airports as part of its anti-narcotics operations, calling it a long-standing scheme to exert influence in the region. The move comes amid heightened tensions over U.S. military deployments in the Caribbean and accusations from Caracas of attempts to destabilize the Venezuelan government.
Diosdado Cabello, Minister of Interior, Justice and Peace, described the agreement as “imperial madness” on Wednesday, referring to the U.S. operation known as Lanza del Sur. He accused Washington of repeatedly inventing threats and recycling old narratives. “I feel like laughing when I see that the president of the Dominican Republic (Luis Abinader) authorizes U.S. flights. Those airports have belonged to the Americans for years, but they recycle the story,” Cabello said on his weekly program Con el mazo dando, broadcast on state television VTV.
The Dominican Republic and the U.S. announced Wednesday that Washington would be granted “provisional” access to the International Las Américas Airport and the San Isidro military airport, both located in Santo Domingo province. According to the agreement, the airports will be used to transport equipment and personnel supporting U.S. operations in the Caribbean. President Abinader stated the access falls under existing bilateral security cooperation protocols.
The announcement follows a visit by U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, the first such official visit to the Dominican Republic. The U.S. is currently engaged in efforts to dismantle fast boats originating in South America, which officials claim are destined for the United States.
Cabello also dismissed a recent U.S. designation of the Cartel de los Soles as a terrorist group, calling it an “invention.” The U.S. alleges the cartel is led by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and other government officials. He further asserted that the U.S. is ultimately seeking to exploit Venezuela’s natural resources, using the pretext of fighting drug trafficking to justify its actions. “Today, for the whole world to see, it is clear that the United States wants to steal Venezuela’s natural resources. That’s why they disguise everything to try to justify it,” he stated.
In response to the increased U.S. presence, Cabello announced a mobilization of community organizations in Venezuela, preparing for “whatever the circumstance may be” and to defend the country. He called for citizens to defend the “revolution” and the “homeland.” Venezuela will begin a “phase of communities” starting Thursday and continuing through Saturday to organize defense efforts, he said. Cabello also criticized U.S. Senator Marco Rubio in his broadcast.
The development underscores growing regional tensions as the U.S. increases its security cooperation with Caribbean nations amid concerns about drug trafficking and potential instability in Venezuela. The announcement could influence future diplomatic talks between the two countries.
