During a visit to the Dominican Republic on Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth obtained authorization to use Dominican airport facilities to support U.S. anti-drug operations in the Caribbean and the Pacific. A decision that, according to Yves Marie Chanel, does not enjoy unanimous support among Dominican neighbors.

“An express poll shows that 70% of respondents perceive this decision as a maneuver aimed at preparing for a confrontation with Venezuela rather than an action against drug trafficking,” the Haitian journalist revealed on the program Panel Magik.