BUENOS AIRES
Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader is scheduled to address the security situation along the border with Haiti on Monday after ordering additional military deployments, local newspaper Hoy reported.
Abinader is anticipated to address the border situation on Monday during his weekly program, La Agenda Semanal, which will air at 3 pm local time (1900GMT).
He will be accompanied by Defense Minister Carlos Antonio Fernandez Onofre, Foreign Minister Victor Bisono and senior military officials.
Abinader ordered two additional battalions, heavy equipment and artillery to reinforce the southern border sector on Sunday, Hoy reported.
The Dominican Republic already had around 11,000 troops deployed along the border before the latest reinforcements.
“We are in permanent session,” Abinader said, adding that authorities were monitoring the situation in Haiti, according to the Dominican Presidency.
He also said he had been in contact with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele and maintained communication with the Gang Suppression Force operating in Haiti.
The Dominican government has also been monitoring the kidnapping of four Salvadoran military technicians in Haiti.
Bukele announced the deployment of a team to help rescue the technicians, according to the Dominican Presidency.
The Dominican Republic has tightened border controls in response to the crisis, including building a border wall aimed at curbing irregular migration, smuggling and other cross-border activities.
Authorities have also stepped up migration enforcement and deportations of undocumented Haitians amid escalating violence in the neighboring country.
Haiti has been grappling with a prolonged security crisis, with armed gangs controlling large parts of the country, including the capital, Port-au-Prince.
The violence has displaced residents, disrupted essential services and complicated efforts to restore public order.
The Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti and has repeatedly strengthened border controls amid concerns over instability and cross-border movements.
