"Santo Domingo residents voiced mixed reactions on Thursday after President Luis Abinader allowed the United States temporary access to restricted areas at San Isidro Air Base and Las Americas International Airport (AILA) for anti-drug trafficking operations in the Caribbean. "If the criminals are from here or are bringing drugs in here, then yes, it is a benefit for us," said Liz de Leon, a resident. "For me, it is phenomenal, as long as it is to combat the development of narcotics sales," echoed another local, Francisco Antonio Cruz. Others opposed allowing foreign forces into the country. "I would not really support the president's decision because it goes against our rights," proclaimed Ricardo Jimenez. "They are very wrong to accept that the United States has all the privileges that the Dominican Republic has," argued Carmito Rodriguez. "If there are other objectives, I really do not know. But you know that the United States always has an ace up its sleeve," noted Virginia Ramirez. The decision, explained on Wednesday by President Abinader together with the US Secretary of Defence, states that US aircraft and technical personnel may use these facilities for logistical support, refuelling, and the transport of equipment and personnel in operations focused on combating drug trafficking in the Caribbean. While the measure is being discussed in the country, Abinader's government declared that the permission is temporary and strictly logistical, emphasising that it does not involve military operations on Dominican ground, but only technical and transport assistance. "