The defense is also helping Aruba fight migrant boaters

The Army will also assist the Aruba Coast Guard in guarding the border at sea. The island has requested this because of the number of migrants crossing the ABC islands in the Caribbean.

The Ministry of Defense has already supported Curaçao with coastal surveillance. For some time now, soldiers have been conducting additional coastal observations there in order to intercept migrants in often unseaworthy boats. At the request of the government of Curacao, this role was expanded to include Aruba. According to the defense, the military’s observations also have a preventive effect against arms and drug smuggling.