Cuban agents monitored athletes at regional games, Dominican probe finds

Cuban agents infiltrated the Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo, aiming to monitor athletes and prevent defections, a Diario Libre investigation revealed. Dominican security forces detected Cuban nationals pursuing athletes who attempted to leave the group during indoor competitions at Parque del Este. This led to temporary closures of the venue and a review of accreditations, resulting in the removal of unaccredited Cuban individuals. The surveillance reportedly intensified as defections began, with at least five Cuban athletes leaving their delegation by the end of the games.

In other news, President Luis Abinader enacted significant changes within the military structure through Decree 557-26. These changes include new commanders for the Army and the Air Force, as well as shifts within the Presidential Security Corps (Cusep), alongside promotions and retirements. Major General Jimmy Arias Grullón was appointed as the new Army commander, replacing Jorge Iván Camino Pérez, who moved to the General Inspectorate of the Armed Forces. Delio Buenaventura Colón Rosario was named deputy minister of Defense for Military Affairs.

Meanwhile, the tragedy of an exploding fuel tanker in Santo Domingo's Malecón, which resulted in two deaths, remains under investigation. This incident has raised questions about the safety of tourist and recreational activities. Additionally, international cooperation led to the apprehension in Jamaica of a Dominican national sought for four months in connection with the death of a driver in Santiago.