Santo Domingo:Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader has announced additional military deployments along the border with Haiti in response to ongoing security concerns.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, Abinader is set to discuss the situation in more detail during his weekly program, La Agenda Semanal, scheduled for 3 pm local time (1900GMT) on Monday. He will be joined by Defense Minister Carlos Antonio Fernandez Onofre, Foreign Minister Victor Bisono, and other senior military officials.

The president ordered the deployment of two additional battalions, along with heavy equipment and artillery, to reinforce the southern border area. Prior to this, approximately 11,000 troops were already stationed along the border.

President Abinader stated that the Dominican authorities are continuously monitoring the situation in Haiti, and he has been in contact with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele. The Dominican Republic is also observing the situation involving the kidnapping of four Salvadoran military technicians in Haiti, with President Bukele deploying a team to assist in their rescue.

In response to the crisis, the Dominican government has intensified its border controls, including constructing a border wall to address issues of irregular migration and smuggling. Additionally, the government has increased migration enforcement and the deportation of undocumented Haitians.

The security crisis in Haiti, characterized by violence from armed gangs, has severely affected the country, leading to displacement of residents and disruption of essential services. The Dominican Republic, sharing the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, continues to strengthen its border measures in light of these ongoing challenges.