Santo Domingo.– The senior American official Pete Hegseth He will arrive this Wednesday in the Dominican Republic on an official visit marked by the increase in tensions in the Caribbean and the reinforcement of United States operations against drug trafficking in the region.
The arrival of Hegseth—whose visit was announced by the Dominican president Luis Abinader— has as its central objective strengthening bilateral cooperation in the field of security, border protection and the fight against transnational crime.
Visit amid tense regional climate
The arrival of the official coincides with a unprecedented US military deployment in the Caribbeanaccompanied by recent bombings against vessels linked to drug trafficking, actions that, according to international sources, have left more than 80 dead.
Meanwhile, in Venezuela, the president Nicolas Maduro He denounced alleged threats coming from Washington and stated that his country is experiencing “a decisive situation for its existence as a republic.” During an official march in Caracas, Maduro exhibited the sword of Simón Bolívar as a symbol of resistance against American pressure.
Abinader: cooperation is “timely and necessary”
From Santo Domingo, President Abinader affirmed that Hegseth’s visit occurs at a key moment, given the increase in cocaine production in several South American countries and the consequent strengthening of criminal networks that operate in the Caribbean.
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“This cooperation will make it possible to confront drug trafficking more effectively and protect regional stability,” said the president, highlighting the intensification of international operations against organizations such as the Cartel of the Sunslinked to the Venezuelan government and recently classified by the US as a terrorist group.
Abinader— has as its central objective strengthening cooperation
For years the Caribbean has become a nerve center for international drug routes. The military presence of the United States—through aerial surveillance, naval operations, and alliances with local governments—responds to the effort to prevent tons of illicit shipments from reaching its territory.
However, in recent months this strategy has generated diplomatic concern in the regiongiven the increase in military incursions and the sociopolitical tension they cause.
Expectations in the Dominican Republic
The senior US official’s agenda will include meetings with Dominican security authorities, as well as evaluations of the drug trafficking routes that cross the north and east of the country. Both governments are expected to present a joint declaration on new cooperation mechanisms.
Hegseth’s visit could mark a turning point in the regional security strategy, at a time when geopolitical interests, military pressures and organized crime that are expanding their operations in the Caribbean intersect.
