The land border between the Dominican Republic and Haiti stretches over 391 kilometers, encompassing land, river, and road zones. 172 kilometers of the border are river zones, primarily along the Massacre, Artibonite, Libón, and Pedernales rivers. A total of 48 kilometers of international highway contribute to the unique geographical configuration of the border area.

The border has four official crossing points, located in Dajabón, Elías Piña, Jimaní, and Pedernales. These crossings are crucial for significant trade between the two countries, including binational markets.

As part of its strategy to strengthen border control, the Dominican government has undertaken the construction of a perimeter fence, composed of reinforced concrete structures and metal elements, as well as patrol lanes allowing for rapid intervention by security forces (https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-37571-haiti-flash-the-construction-of-the-dominican-border-wall-is-progressing-rapidly-video.html).

The infrastructure includes watchtowers for continuous surveillance, as well as technological equipment and a fiber optic network capable of transmitting data (voice and images) in real time.

Lieutenant General Carlos Antonio Fernández Onofre, Minister of Defense, explained that the project's objective is to install a perimeter wall at the most vulnerable and strategic points. He also reported the installation of a synchronized and autonomous network of drones and video surveillance cameras, whose coverage and capabilities are being progressively expanded according to the strategic needs identified by the authorities. He stated that this infrastructure had yielded significant results in terms of security, particularly in areas where cattle, vehicle, and motorcycle thefts were previously frequent but have now virtually disappeared.

The border security strategy also incorporates the TP-75 DULUS, the first aircraft assembled by the Dominican military industry and used for aerial surveillance and reconnaissance.

According to Fernández Onofre, these aircraft strengthen coordination between air and ground units and provide intelligence to support security and defense operations along the border.

The Minister particularly emphasized the low operating cost and the aircraft's ability to patrol the border area. "It allows us to patrol the border in four hours, taking off from the San Isidro airbase, whether from the north or the south, at a cost of 2,000 pesos [6.9 gallons per hour of high-octane gasoline, such as SP95]."

Should be noted that the Dominican military industry also produces its own FURIA armored vehicles and will soon produce drones. https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-48026-haiti-dominican-republic-strengthening-the-operational-capacities-of-the-dominican-army.html

Surveillance operations are not limited to the land border. The Dominican Republic Navy has also strengthened its maritime control capabilities at the northern and southern ends of the border with Haiti.

These operations aim to protect national sovereignty, combat illicit activities (fishing, smuggling, human trafficking), preserve human lives at sea, and contribute to the security and stability of border areas.

Fernández Onofre explained that maritime patrols will continue to intensify as the new vessels acquired by the Dominican state are commissioned.

"We have also reinforced patrols along the northern and southern maritime borders with Dominican Navy vessels, and this reinforcement will continue with the acquisition of all the patrol units ordered and currently being delivered."

Furthermore, Onofre announced that the Dominican Republic signed an agreement this year with Portugal for the acquisition of four offshore patrol vessels, which will enhance the Navy’s operational capabilities in territorial waters and international maritime border zones.

SL/ HaitiLibre