Abinader declares Haitian gangs as terrorist organizations

Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader announced that armed gangs responsible for widespread violence in Haiti have been officially classified as terrorist organizations. Speaking before the National Assembly, he cited the gangs’ role in over 5,600 deaths last year and criticized the international community’s failure to address the crisis. He warned that any gang members entering the Dominican Republic would be arrested and prosecuted under anti-terrorism laws, stressing that security forces would take strict action against threats to national stability.

Abinader also reaffirmed his government’s commitment to active diplomacy, urging stronger international support for the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti. He lamented the mission’s lack of necessary resources, emphasizing that criminal groups continue expanding their control over Port-au-Prince and other areas, committing severe acts of violence.

With Haiti’s security situation worsening, Abinader made it clear that the Dominican Republic would not tolerate any spillover of violence. He reaffirmed his administration’s stance of zero tolerance for any threat to national peace and security.