Dominican Republic to allow US to use facilities for anti-drug ops

THE Dominican Republic said this week it will allow the US to use an air base and airport as part of its controversial operations against alleged drug traffickers that have killed more than 80 people so far.

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The announcement came during a visit by US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth to Santo Domingo, as the US seeks to ramp up pressure on leftist Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, whom Washington accuses of heading a drug cartel.

“We have authorised the US, for a limited time, to use restricted areas at the San Isidro Air Base and the Las Americas International Airport for logistical operations of aircraft,” including refuelling and the transport of equipment and personnel, President Luis Abinader told a news conference.

Hegseth, who spoke alongside the Dominican leader, confirmed the “temporary deployment of US service members and aircraft” saying Washington is “deadly serious” about the counter-narcotics mission.