Authorities in the Dominican Republic say some 6,000 soldiers and police officers are being deployed and nightclub restrictions are going into effect as the government begins a crackdown on violent crime.
Officials said Wednesday that the troops and police will patrol the capital, Santo Domingo and other areas as part of the effort.
They also say discos and nightclubs will be required to curtail their hours of operation.
The U.S. State Department has warned American citizens to maintain a low profile in the Dominican Republic and take precautions to avoid becoming victims of crime or violence.