Abinader warns Haitian gangs: Dominican border will be defended

Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader reaffirmed Tuesday that the Dominican Republic will not allow armed gangs operating in Haiti to threaten its territory, warning that the Armed Forces have clear instructions to respond to any security risk along the border.

During the presentation of the “Strong Border” strategy at the National Palace, the president announced a reinforcement of military presence on the 391-kilometer border, adding 1,500 soldiers to the 9,500 already deployed. He also ordered the expansion of the smart perimeter fence with 13 additional kilometers, complementing the 54 kilometers already completed, to strengthen surveillance and deterrence capabilities.

The strategy includes reorganizing border monitoring into eight operational zones led by senior military officers, while advanced technology such as drones, surveillance cameras, fiber-optic systems, and real-time monitoring tools will support security operations. Defense Minister Carlos Fernández Onofre highlighted the incorporation of the TP-75 Dulus aircraft, assembled in the Dominican Republic, for patrol and reconnaissance missions.

Beyond security measures, the government plans to boost economic development in border provinces through the modernization of binational markets in Dajabón, Elías Piña, Jimaní, and Pedernales, along with new vocational schools, military facilities, airport projects, and the expansion of the 9-1-1 emergency system. Authorities also emphasized efforts to recover and reorganize the Tilory border area, where irregular settlements have historically hindered surveillance and territorial control.