The Dominican Republic has granted the United States temporary access to its airbases and airports as Washington ramps up efforts to disrupt the flow of narcotics from South America. The agreement, announced during a visit by U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, reflects a deepening security partnership and increased U.S. pressure on Venezuela amid allegations of state-sponsored drug trafficking [[1]]. This move underscores the strategic importance of the island nation in regional counter-narcotics operations and broader Caribbean security.
The Dominican Republic has authorized the United States to temporarily use its San Isidro Air Base and Las Américas International Airport as part of a stepped-up effort to counter drug trafficking from South America. The move, announced during a visit by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to Santo Domingo, signals a growing U.S. commitment to disrupting the flow of narcotics through the Caribbean and comes amid increasing pressure on the Venezuelan government. This development underscores the strategic importance of the Dominican Republic in regional security efforts.
President Luis Abinader confirmed that the agreement allows for “limited-time” use of the facilities for logistical support, including refueling and the transport of personnel and equipment. “We have authorized the United States, for a limited time, to use restricted areas in the San Isidro Air Base and at Las Américas International Airport for logistical operations of aircraft, including refueling and the transport of equipment and personnel,” Abinader stated during a press conference.
The authorization coincides with the U.S. designation of the “Cartel de los Soles” as a terrorist organization, a move that enables Washington to freeze assets, investigate associated individuals, and seek cooperation from other nations to disrupt the group’s financial and security networks.
According to reports, the U.S. has destroyed approximately twenty suspected drug smuggling vessels and killed around 83 individuals since September as part of its anti-narcotics operations. “I want those watching the destruction of these narco-terrorist boats to understand that we take this mission very seriously,” said Hegseth. “Totally serious.”
A Strategic Move by the U.S.
The move is seen as a strategic play by Washington to directly confront narco-traffickers and increase pressure on Venezuela, which the U.S. accuses of being a state sponsor of drug trafficking. Former President Donald Trump indicated a willingness to pursue both diplomatic and forceful measures, stating, “If we can do things the right way, fine. If we have to do it the hard way, we will too.”
On Tuesday, the flight tracking website Flightradar24 identified military aircraft – including B-52, F/A-18, and E-2 planes – departing from Minot Air Force Base in the U.S. The aircraft crossed the Gulf of Mexico and activated their transponders near Aruba and Curaçao, positioning themselves off the coast of Paraguaná, Venezuela.
Maps detailing drug trafficking routes reveal the complex network of illicit trade from Latin America to the United States.
Why the Dominican Republic is a Geopolitical Asset
The Dominican Republic’s cooperation provides the U.S. with a crucial foothold in the region. Situated northeast of Venezuela, the island nation is approximately 550-580 miles from the Paraguaná Peninsula, home to the Centro de Refinación Paraguaná (CRP) oil refinery complex.
From the Dominican Republic, the U.S. gains near-total strategic access to the Caribbean Sea, with direct projection towards much of Central America, Cuba, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, and even the Guyanas. This is a calculated move, as operational restrictions in the Pacific Ocean are greater due to the stance of the Colombian government under Gustavo Petro.
“We have the best intelligence, the best lawyers, and the best process to understand, within these networks, where they come from, where they go, what they transport, and what their intentions are,” Hegseth added.
Hegseth stated that his country is prepared to “go on the offensive” and “change the dynamics of the entire region.” “We must confront the narco-terrorists and their illegal activities with force and speed. That is the only language they understand: force and swift action,” he emphasized.
With information from AFP
Read more: U.S. military aircraft fly near Venezuelan airspace
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why does the U.S. want to operate from the Dominican Republic?
- It provides a key air and logistical control point to block drug trafficking routes and pressure Venezuela from the Caribbean.
- How long does the authorization last?
- It is temporary, although the duration has not been publicly specified.
- Is the measure related to Maduro?
- Yes. Washington maintains that the regime is involved in drug trafficking networks and has designated the
Cartel de los Soles as a terrorist organization.
