UN report raises questions: How did Dominican ammunition end up in Haiti?

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Defense is investigating how old .50-caliber ammunition of Dominican origin ended up in Haiti, following findings cited in a report by the United Nations Security Council’s Group of Experts.

In a statement issued Thursday, the ministry said it is working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide UN investigators with information on ammunition purchases, distribution, and control, as well as actions taken to investigate possible irregularities.

Authorities said they have not yet established how or when the ammunition reached Haitian territory. The investigation is ongoing to determine its origin, trace its movement, and identify any potential responsibility.

The Defense Ministry emphasized that ammunition bearing calibers, brands, or characteristics matching those legally acquired by the Dominican Republic does not, by itself, prove that the military authorized its transfer to Haiti.

As an example of enforcement efforts, the ministry cited a December 2025 incident in which Dominican Army personnel arrested a second lieutenant and a Haitian citizen in La Tinaja, San Juan province. The two were allegedly transporting 1,516 rounds of ammunition of various calibers on a motorcycle.

The officer was brought before the courts and remains in pretrial detention while the case proceeds, according to the ministry. Authorities said the incident was reported through official channels as part of their cooperation with international organizations.

The ministry also highlighted the Armed Forces’ ammunition registration, identification, and control procedures, noting that the UN experts’ report recognized the marking of Dominican military ammunition as a good practice for tracing its origin and investigating possible diversion.

The Defense Ministry reiterated its zero-tolerance policy toward illegal conduct by military personnel and said any member found responsible will face the appropriate legal proceedings, regardless of rank.

It added that investigations and cooperation with national and international organizations will continue as authorities seek to clarify how the ammunition reached Haiti and determine whether any laws or military regulations were violated.