With the intention of increasing security in the forested area of the southern region of the country, the commander general of the Army, Carlos Antonio Fernández Onofre, carried out the reinauguration of the reconstructed military detachment “Los Arroyos”, a key unit that will function as a Tactical Operations Base for the protection of the Sierra de Bahoruco.
This detachment is located at the entrance of this protected area, which is part of the Jaragua-Bahoruco-Enriquillo UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and has an area of approximately 1,126 KM².
It contains diverse ranges of forests with a wide variety of flora and fauna, including endemic species, rhinoceros iguanas and the Hispaniolan solenodon. Birdwatchers can see more than 100 species, including some in danger of extinction.
Fernández Onofre emphasized that “Los Arroyos” will play a strategic role in the defense of this area, collaborating closely with environmental authorities, specifically with the National Environmental Protection Service to ensure the preservation of the forests.
“From here we will guarantee the care of the Environment and the preservation of this important reserve, carrying out a surveillance and patrol system throughout its north-south extension, using as alternate bases the Environmental Booths Number 2 and Zapoten, as well as the ‘El Aguacate’ detachment, all of this monitored in real time from the C-2 Command Center of the General Command,” said the high command.
He stressed that the rotation of soldiers will be every 21 days so that there is no physical exhaustion. This unit also contributes to the fight against smuggling and illegal migration, promoting security and order in the region.