WASHINGTON

The Dominican Republic has authorized the US to use its territory "for a limited time" to combat drug trafficking in the Caribbean, President Luis Abinader said Wednesday.

"We have authorized the US, for a limited time, to use restricted areas at San Isidro Air Base and Las Americas International Airport for the logistical operation of refueling aircraft, transport of equipment and technical personnel," Abinader said at a news conference along with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who is paying a visit to the capital Santo Domingo.

The announcement follows a series of Pentagon operations targeting vessels it claims are smuggling narcotics in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, with US forces carrying out over 20 strikes since September that have resulted in at least 83 deaths.

"The purpose is clear: to strengthen the air and sea protection ring maintained by our armed forces, a decisive reinforcement to prevent the entry of narcotics and to deliver a more forceful blow against transnational organized crime," Abinader said in his translated remarks.

Hegseth, later speaking to reporters, said the US is going to go after "narco-terrorists."

"Our borders will be secure, whether it's the Dominican Republic or the United States of America, and we look forward to working with our partners to make it happen," Hegseth said, adding that President Donald Trump is "serious" in his fight against drug traffickers who want to bring drugs into the US.