President Hipolito Mejia told Spanish reporters that the 300 Dominican troops in Iraq are there because of a United Nations resolution and that he would not increase their numbers. Press commentators in Santo Domingo, however, questioned which UN resolution Mejia was referring to. The Dominican troops are part of the Plus Ultra force under the command of the Spanish military, which is handling the troops from the DR as well as those from Nicaragua, El Salvador and Honduras. The soldiers have been assigned to security patrols and reconstruction work. Mejia told the reporters that the 300 troops was his final quota. “As soon as they finish their service, I will bring them home, but I have no intention of increasing their numbers,” said Mejia.
Minister of Armed Forces Jose Miguel Soto Jimenez recently had said the troops stationed in Iraq would be replaced by new soldiers after six months. Press reports have indicated that Soto Jimenez would travel to Iraq to motivate the troops.