State of emergency to remain for a month, PM says, as security forces fight gunmen loyal to alleged drug lord in West Kingston
Staff and agencies
At least 26 civilians and four members of the security forces have died as police and soldiers battle supporters of an alleged drug lord who faces extradition to the US, Jamaican police have said.
Thousands of heavily armed forces are raiding the capital's most violent central slums in a hunt for underworld boss Christopher Coke, known as "Dudus".
A police spokesman said the fighting in West Kingston alone has led to 26 civilian deaths and one of a security official. Police had reported that earlier fighting left two officers and a soldier dead.
The government has declared a state of emergency in volatile sections of the capital as the prime minister, Bruce Golding, vowed "strong and decisive action" to restore order.
The violence erupted in districts where gunmen attacked and burned five police stations yesterday and carried out carjackings and looting. Link
