The Dominican Republic has authorized the United States to utilize restricted areas at the San Isidro Air Base and Las Americas International Airport for logistical operations, including refueling and the transport of equipment and personnel. This decision, announced by President Luis Abinader during a press conference, comes as part of the US’s intensified efforts to combat alleged drug trafficking networks, which have reportedly resulted in over 80 fatalities. The announcement coincided with a visit by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to Santo Domingo, where he emphasized Washington’s commitment to counter-narcotics missions, describing them as a critical step toward regional security. Hegseth stated that the US is prepared to take aggressive measures to dismantle narco-terrorist operations, which he claims threaten stability in the Caribbean and beyond. This development follows the US designation of Venezuela’s alleged Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization, providing legal justification for expanded military actions against Venezuelan authorities. The US has already conducted strikes on suspected drug smugglers, destroying more than 20 vessels allegedly used for trafficking. However, critics argue that these operations lack transparency, as Washington has not publicly disclosed evidence linking the targets to narcotics smuggling. The US has also deployed significant military assets to the region, including the world’s largest aircraft carrier and strategic bombers, escalating tensions with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who accuses the US of using anti-drug efforts as a pretext for regime change. Maduro denies any involvement in drug cultivation, asserting that Venezuela is merely a transit route for Colombian cocaine. Meanwhile, the Dominican Republic has actively collaborated with US anti-drug initiatives, recently seizing 500 kilograms of cocaine in a joint operation.