The Dominican Republic sees no reason to close its border with Haiti, its defense ministry concluded after a strategic review meeting on Thursday, October 22, HaitiLibre reported.

Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Carlos Antonio Fernández Onofre chaired the meeting with the commanders of the army, navy and air force, intelligence chiefs and the heads of the CESFRONT border security corps and the ministry's C5i command center. After reviewing intelligence reports, they found that the situation at the border did not justify exceptional measures and said trade and daily life in border communities would continue as usual.

The armed forces say they are still watching Haiti closely and are ready to take preventive, proportionate steps if needed. Troops have been reinforced along the southern part of the border, with checks on people and vehicles in Pedernales and Elías Piña, while trade and the usual security routine continue in Jimaní.

Haitian traders keep crossing to buy goods, and no widespread disruption of cross-border trade has been reported. On Saturday, Dominican President Luis Abinader also said he had spoken with Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele about logistical and intelligence cooperation for operations against gangs in Haiti, Le Nouvelliste reported.