U.S. gains Dominican Republic's help

During Hegseth visit, countries announce further cooperation in drug trafficking fight.

- BY DÁNICA COTO

DEFENSE Secretary Pete Hegseth in the Dominican Republic on Wednesday.

(RICARDO HERNANDEZ Associated Press)

Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader announced Wednesday that he has authorized the U.S. government to operate inside restricted areas in the Caribbean country to help in its fight against drug trafficking.

For a limited time, the U.S. can refuel aircraft and transport equipment and technical personnel at restricted areas within the San Isidro Air Base and Las Américas International Airport, said Abinader, who made the announcement with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at his side.

Hegseth was in Santo Domingo on Wednesday to meet with the country’s top leaders, including Abinader and the minister of defense, Lt. Gen. Carlos Antonio Fernández Onofre.

It is the first major public agreement that the U.S. has struck with a Caribbean nation as it seeks friendly allies to support its attacks against alleged drug-smuggling boats in the region and beyond. Since the strikes began in early September, at least 83 people have been killed.

Hegseth said the Dominican Republic is a regional leader willing to take on hard challenges.

"That's why I’m here today. That’s why we decided to come here first,” he said. “The Dominican Republic has stepped up.”

Hegseth said the U.S. would respect the Caribbean country’s sovereignty and laws as U.S. service members and aircraft prepare to deploy to the Dominican Republic. He did not provide additional details.