The Dominican Republic has granted the US military limited access to two strategic sites, San Isidro Air Base and Las Américas International Airport, for logistical operations aimed at countering alleged drug trafficking.

The agreement, announced by Dominican President Luis Abinader alongside US War Secretary Pete Hegseth, marks a significant development in Dominican Republic–US relations, framing the arrangement as part of a broader campaign against "international organized crime."

Under the deal, the Pentagon can refuel aircraft and move equipment and personnel through these restricted zones. While specific terms remain undisclosed, the move aligns with Washington's so-called counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean, where US forces have reportedly conducted over 20 illegal strikes since September, killing more than 80 people.

During the joint announcement, War Secretary Pete Hegseth commended the Dominican Republic for its cooperation, stating that the country had "stepped up" in the regional effort. He also pledged that US operations would fully respect the Dominican Republic’s sovereignty.

Regional divide on supporting the US 'war on drugs'

The Dominican government's decision to unilaterally welcome limited US military access follows a November 2025 referendum in Ecuador where nearly two-thirds of Ecuadorian voters rejected the return of foreign military bases, reaffirming the 2008 ban imposed to protect national sovereignty.

Meanwhile, the US continues to operate a web of cooperative security locations (CSLs) across Latin America and the Caribbean in support of its military operations, which it frames as being part of its war on drugs.

New contracting records revealed by The Intercept suggested the #US is preparing for a prolonged military presence across the #Caribbean, with procurement schedules stretching through late 2028, well into US President Donald #Trump’s second term.

The files, issued by the Defense… pic.twitter.com/5dNLI2Wn5g

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) November 26, 2025

These include Comalapa International Airport in El Salvador, which has supported multinational operations since 2000; Reina Beatrix Airport in Aruba and Hato Airport in Curaçao; and Soto Cano Air Base in Honduras. In addition, around 17 radar sites across Colombia and Peru provide vital surveillance and intelligence for aerial and maritime operations.

Major US military buildup in the Caribbean

The current, expanding US military presence in the Caribbean is among the largest regional deployments in decades, deploying around 16,000 US personnel alongside eight warships, a nuclear-powered submarine, and the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group.

The scope and intensity of the US' Operation Southern Spear in the Caribbean have drawn criticism, with observers questioning whether the scale of force is proportionate to any drug-related threat. 

For weeks now, the #UnitedStates has been beefing up its military presence in the #Caribbean.

Warships, a naval special operation center, and fighter jets were deployed near #Venezuela in a clear threat to the region and Venezuelan President #NicolasMaduro. pic.twitter.com/XVLcOwybHk

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) November 19, 2025

Additionally, maritime strikes carried out under the campaign have prompted accusations of extrajudicial actions and raised legal and human rights concerns. Venezuela has responded by mobilizing national defenses and requesting an emergency UN Security Council meeting, while Colombia has suspended intelligence-sharing with Washington, citing violations of sovereignty and international norms.

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