Archive · 3 Dec 2025
Dominican Republic Extends US Airport Access for Anti-Drug Operations
The Dominican Republic and the United States have extended an agreement that allows U.S. personnel to access restricted areas of two airports in the Dominican Republic.
This agreement, which runs until April 2026, is part of a broader effort to combat drug trafficking in the Caribbean.
The U.S. can use these airports to refuel aircraft and move equipment, but there will be no combat activities.
The deal is an extension of previous agreements and is seen as a model that the U.S. hopes to expand to other countries.
The U.S. has been increasing its military presence in the region to put pressure on the government in Venezuela.
The Dominican Republic and the U.S. have extended an agreement allowing U.S. personnel access to restricted areas of two airports until April 2026.
The agreement covers Las Americas International Airport and the San Isidro air base for logistical support in counter-narcotics operations.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Dominican President Luis Abinader were involved in the agreement.
The deal is part of a wider U.S. anti-narcotics push in the Caribbean, with plans to expand to other nations.
The U.S. has increased military operations in the Caribbean, including lethal strikes on alleged drug-trafficking vessels.
- Who
- Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader and U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
- What
- Extension of an agreement allowing U.S. personnel access to restricted airport areas for counter-narcotics operations
- When
- The agreement will run until April 2026
- Where
- Las Americas International Airport and San Isidro air base in the Dominican Republic
- Why
- To support regional counter-narcotics missions and increase pressure on the government in Venezuela
- Agreement Duration
- Until April 2026
- Airports Involved
- Las Americas International Airport and San Isidro air base
- Purpose
- Logistical support for counter-narcotics operations
- US Official Involved
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
- Dominican Official Involved
- President Luis Abinader
- Broader Context
- Part of a wider U.S. anti-narcotics push in the Caribbean
