Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader announced Wednesday that he had authorized the U.S. government to operate inside restricted areas in the Caribbean country to help in its fight against drug-trafficking.

For a limited time, the U.S. can refuel aircraft and transport equipment and technical personnel at restricted areas within the San Isidro Air Base and Las Américas International Airport, said Abinader.

He made the announcement with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at his side.

Hegseth traveled to Santo Domingo to meet on Wednesday with the country’s top leaders, including Abinader and Minister of Defense Lt. Gen. Carlos Antonio Fernández Onofre.

It was the first major public agreement that the U.S. has struck with a Caribbean nation as it seeks friendly allies to support its attacks against alleged drug-smuggling boats in the region and beyond, killing at least 83 people since the strikes began in early September.

Hegseth said the Dominican Republic was a regional leader willing to take on hard challenges.

He said the U.S. would respect the Caribbean country’s sovereignty and laws as U.S. service members and aircraft prepare to deploy to the Dominican Republic.

He did not provide additional details.

Meanwhile, Abinader said the scope of the agreement is “limited" and for "logistical operations."

“The purpose is clear: to strengthen the air and maritime protection ring maintained by our Armed Forces, a decisive reinforcement to prevent the entry of narcotics and to strike a more decisive blow against transnational organized crime,” he said.

After the press conference, no questions were allowed.

The office of the president issued a statement with more details, noting that several KC-135 tanker aircraft would be present to support air patrol missions, expanding monitoring and interdiction capabilities over a large portion of the maritime and air domains.

“They would also provide refueling services to aircraft from partner countries, thus ensuring sustained operations for monitoring, detecting, and tracking verified illicit smuggling activities,” according to the statement.

Additionally, C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft would facilitate aeromedical evacuations, firefighting, weather reconnaissance, and disaster relief, the office said.