Dominican Republic Strengthens Caribbean Security Through Coalition and US Ties

The Dominican Republic’s participation in the second Americas Counter Cartel Coalition forum, held August 11-12 in Panama, underscored its commitment to regional security. Minister of Defense Lt. Gen. Carlos Antonio Fernández Onofre explained that the coalition represents a collective pledge to confront transnational organized crime.

Regional Commitment and Coalition Role

Onofre said the coalition offers a platform for the Dominican Republic to strengthen cooperation, share information, build capabilities, and coordinate efforts against common threats. He highlighted the country’s strategic location and maritime interdiction capabilities as key assets in the fight against drug trafficking. The minister emphasized that no nation can tackle this phenomenon alone, and that the Dominican Republic is ready to contribute its experience and strategic position to the Caribbean.

The minister also stressed the importance of a transnational response, noting that criminal organizations exploit new technologies and cross borders. He added that the Dominican Republic’s participation reflects a shared responsibility for peace, stability, and security in the region.

Maritime Interdiction and Intelligence Sharing

During the forum, Diálogo asked about lessons learned from joint maritime interdiction operations involving the National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD), the Armed Forces, the United States, and other partners. Onofre replied that cooperation succeeds when there is trust, timely information sharing, common objectives, and the ability to translate data into action.

He cited recent 2026 joint maritime operations as evidence of the coordination achieved between national institutions and international partners. In the maritime domain, Onofre said that timely information sharing can determine whether a threat is detected or allowed to complete its operation. He urged continued strengthening of intelligence, surveillance, and operational coordination.

Onofre outlined essential maritime security capabilities: continuous surveillance and domain awareness, rapid interdiction response, robust intelligence sharing, and the integration of technology with skilled personnel. He emphasized that the Caribbean requires a regional vision and that coordination with neighboring countries, the United States, and other strategic partners expands surveillance and response capabilities.

Multinational Exercises and US Cooperation

The Dominican Armed Forces have taken part in multinational exercises such as DUNAS, CENTAM Guardian, and other training with allied forces. Onofre explained that these exercises are fundamental for readiness, allowing soldiers, pilots, sailors, and specialists to learn procedures used by other forces and to identify improvement opportunities.

He noted that interoperability is built through joint training, mutual understanding, and the ability to communicate and operate together. The exercises also prepare the forces for a range of threats, from organized crime to natural disasters.

In June 2026, Onofre met with U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Evan Pettus, deputy commander of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM). The meeting focused on capability development, interoperability, and bilateral cooperation. The minister highlighted that the defense relationship between the Dominican Republic and the United States is strateg