Central American Country Authorizes U.S. Forces To Use Restricted Spaces For 'Aircraft Logistics'

Dominican President Luis Abinader announced the country will allow the U.S. to use restricted airspace of an air force base and an international airport as its military deployment in the region continues.

Speaking alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during a visit from the latter to the country, Abinader said the agreement will require "previous authorization from Dominican authorities."

🇻🇪 🚨 “Hemos autorizado a los EEUU, por un plazo limitado, el uso de espacios restringidos en la Base Aérea de San Isidro y en el aeropuerto Internacional de Las Americas para la logística de aviones, transporte de equipo y personal técnico.”Anuncia el Presidente de República… pic.twitter.com/Qo5LheYCD6

— Rafael Santiago (@SantiagoRafa11) November 26, 2025

"It's reach is technical, limited, and temporary. In this context we have authorized the U.S., for a limited time, the use of restricted spaces at the San Isidro Air Base and the Las Americas International Airport for aircraft logistics," Abinader said. He detailed that operations will have to do with refueling and the transportation of equipment and technical personnel.

"The purpose is clear. To strengthen the ring of aerial and maritime protection kept by our armed forces," Abinader said. He said in another passage of the statement that the country has seized almost 10 times more drugs per year over the past five years than in the previous decade as a result of the collaboration with the U.S.

Our country faces a real threat, a threat that knows no borders, no flags, that destroys families, and that has been trying to use our territory for decades," Abinader added.

Hegseth, on his end, said the country is a regional leader willing to take on difficult challenges. "That's why I'm here today. That's why we decided to come here first," he added, noting that the "Dominican Republic has stepped up."

Although it has not been announced, the U.S. also seems to have gained access to El Salvador's main airport. A report by The New York Times from earlier this month detailed that at least three U.S. military aircraft — including a heavily armed AC-130J Ghostrider gunship — have begun flying missions from El Salvador's main international airport.

Citing satellite imagery, the report noted that the deployment appears to mark the first known instance of a foreign country hosting U.S. aircraft potentially capable of participating in regional strike operations. Two U.S. military officials, speaking anonymously, confirmed to NYT that the presence of the aircraft is linked to expanded counter-narcotics missions.

The AC-130J, operated by Air Force Special Operations Command, is capable of destroying land and maritime targets using missiles, cannons, and heavy machine guns. A Navy P-8A reconnaissance aircraft and an unmarked Air Force C-40 transport have also been observed at Comalapa's Cooperative Security Location, a small U.S. military installation co-located with El Salvador's international airport.

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