Abinader says Haiti gangs have not crossed into Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader said Monday that the crisis in Haiti has not spilled into the Dominican Republic, noting that international forces are helping contain armed gangs while the Dominican Armed Forces are better prepared to protect the border.

Speaking during the “Weekly Agenda” meeting at the National Palace, Abinader said the current situation differs from previous periods of instability in Haiti, when no international military force was present to help contain criminal groups.

He said Haitian gangs have not entered Dominican territory and stressed that the government will take measures to prevent them from doing so.

Abinader also highlighted the improved capabilities of the Dominican Armed Forces to respond to security challenges along the border.

Regarding developments near the frontier, the president said at least two self-defense groups are operating on the Haitian side and have repelled incursions along the Comendador-Belladère route. He reiterated that the Dominican government will not allow armed gangs to establish a presence within 20 kilometers of the Dominican border, as part of its national security strategy.