SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico -- Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader announced Wednesday that he has authorized the U.S. government to operate inside restricted areas in the Caribbean nation 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, who made the announcement with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at his side.

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

It is the first major public agreement that the U.S. has struck with a Caribbean nation as it seeks friendly a

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