Dominican Republic Authorizes US Operations Against Drug Trafficking

US Access for Drug Interdiction

• 🇩🇴 The Dominican Republic has authorized the United States to operate within restricted areas for a limited time.
• ✈️ This access is granted for logistical operations, including aircraft refueling and transport of equipment and personnel, at Santa Cedro Air Base and Las Americas International Airport.

Strengthening Regional Security

• 🛡️ The initiative aims to strengthen air and maritime protection maintained by the Dominican armed forces.
• 💊 The primary goal is to prevent the entry of narcotics and combat transnational organized crime.

Operation Southern Shield

• 🤝 This is described as a temporary deployment of US service members and aircraft, known as Operation Southern Shield.
• ⚖️ The operation emphasizes a small footprint, fully respecting Dominican sovereignty and laws.
• 🇺🇸 It is characterized as a joint effort between the US and Dominican Republic against narco-trafficking and narco-terrorism.

Combating Narco-Terrorism

• 💥 The effort targets designated terrorist organizations and narco-traffickers aiming to bring violence and drugs to the region and the US.
• 🚨 Both countries are stated to be deadly serious about the mission and its execution.