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'United States always has an ace up its sleeve' - Santo Domingo residents split over temporary US access to Dominican air bases

'United States always has an ace up its sleeve' - Santo Domingo residents split over temporary US access to Dominican air bases

"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. "

'Venezuela counts on you!' - Maduro orders Air Force to be 'alert, ready' to defend country after Trump threatens with 'easy... or hard way'

'Venezuela counts on you!' - Maduro orders Air Force to be 'alert, ready' to defend country after Trump threatens with 'easy... or hard way'

"Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro ordered that the Armed Forces should stay "alert, ready and willing to defend our rights as a nation" after recent threats by Donald Trump and amid a US military buildup in the Caribbean. "Before this solemn act marking the 105 years since the founding of the Military Aviation and the 33 years since the birth of the Bolivarian character of our Bolivarian Military Aviation, I ask you to remain always unshaken in your serenity, alert, ready and willing to defend our rights as a nation, as a free and sovereign homeland," Maduro said. The Venezuelan leader went on to express his confidence in 'victory' if Venezuela had to declare itself a 'republic in arms'. "And I know that you will never fail Venezuela. I know that Venezuela counts on you if history were to demand it, that we would declare ourselves a republic in arms, once again history would see us rise, once again history would see us rise with the sacred standard of Miranda and Bolivar, the yellow, the blue, the red, the eight stars," he stated. The comments came during an event marking the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Bolivarian Military Aviation and after Trump had warned that Maduro could "do things the easy way… or the hard way". Washington has significantly bolstered its military presence in the Caribbean since September, in what it says is an effort to curb drug trafficking towards US shores.  Critics, including UN officials and human rights organisations, warn that any military action could constitute an unlawful use of force under international law.  Caracas repeatedly denied the allegations and urged Washington to halt its military actions in the Caribbean."