Jamaica unrest spreads, blocks airport
Posted: Wed May 26, 2010 3:57 am
Coach Outlet Fresh violence has spread across the Jamaican capital Kingston, blocking access to the airport, as security forces storm the stronghold of an alleged drug lord.
Gunshots and explosions rang out in West Kingston's Tivoli Gardens neighborhood late Monday, as security forces, backed by helicopters, exchanged fire with supporters of Christopher "Dudus" Coke.
Security Minister Dwight Nelson told the BBC that the forces were performing a house-to-house search for Coke, saying that the police were "doing everything in their power to ensure the city remains safe."
Despite such remarks, some reports say violence and looting have now spread to other parts of the capital, raising fears of a prolonged unrest. The government declared a state of emergency in parts of Kingston on Sunday.
Cheap coach bags The US State Department warns that access to Kingston's Norman Manley International Airport is being blocked on an intermittent basis.
The two-day violence has left at least four people dead, including two policemen, one soldier and a civilian. There are reports of several more civilian deaths during the latest operation.
Coach Outlet
Leading a gang called the Shower Posse, 41-year-old Coke currently faces extradition to the United States.
According to the US Justice Department, the Jamaican don is considered one of "the world's most dangerous narcotics kingpins." In August, a federal court in New York charged Coke with drugs and arms trafficking.
The troubles broke out in the Caribbean nation last week after Prime Minister Bruce Golding prepared to send Coke to the US, reversing nine months of opposition to the extradition.
Gunshots and explosions rang out in West Kingston's Tivoli Gardens neighborhood late Monday, as security forces, backed by helicopters, exchanged fire with supporters of Christopher "Dudus" Coke.
Security Minister Dwight Nelson told the BBC that the forces were performing a house-to-house search for Coke, saying that the police were "doing everything in their power to ensure the city remains safe."
Despite such remarks, some reports say violence and looting have now spread to other parts of the capital, raising fears of a prolonged unrest. The government declared a state of emergency in parts of Kingston on Sunday.
Cheap coach bags The US State Department warns that access to Kingston's Norman Manley International Airport is being blocked on an intermittent basis.
The two-day violence has left at least four people dead, including two policemen, one soldier and a civilian. There are reports of several more civilian deaths during the latest operation.
Coach Outlet
Leading a gang called the Shower Posse, 41-year-old Coke currently faces extradition to the United States.
According to the US Justice Department, the Jamaican don is considered one of "the world's most dangerous narcotics kingpins." In August, a federal court in New York charged Coke with drugs and arms trafficking.
The troubles broke out in the Caribbean nation last week after Prime Minister Bruce Golding prepared to send Coke to the US, reversing nine months of opposition to the extradition.