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At Least 30 Dead in Jamaican Unrest

VOA News 25 May 2010

Jamaican police say at least 30 people have been killed in three days of clashes involving security forces and supporters of an alleged drug lord wanted by the United States.

Authorities said Tuesday that 26 civilians and a soldier were killed when police and troops raided the stronghold of Christopher "Dudus" Coke in West Kingston.

National Security Minister Dwight Nelson said several people were arrested after troops stormed the slum neighborhood of Tivoli Gardens late Monday. Nelson said security forces backed by helicopters were able to take control of the area, but did not arrest Coke.

Police said earlier fighting between security forces and Coke supporters killed two officers and another soldier.

The United States has issued a travel alert to warn citizens against traveling to Jamaica, and closed the U.S. embassy in Kingston.

U.S. State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said the United States has been asked to provide some minor assistance, but that Jamaican authorities will be in charge of the primary security effort.

The Jamaican government declared a state of emergency in sections of Kingston and nearby St. Andrew Sunday. Officials expect the emergency clampdown to last at least a month.

The United States has issued an arrest warrant for Coke for alleged cocaine and arms trafficking. The Jamaican government has called on Coke to surrender to face a U.S. judicial request seeking his extradition.

U.S. officials sent the extradition request for Coke to the Jamaican government nine months ago, but Prime Minister Golding refused to allow it to be processed, arguing that the evidence in it had been obtained illegally.

Mr. Golding responded to criticism last week by saying Coke should be arrested and brought to court for a hearing.

Coke is the alleged leader of the Shower Posse gang with ties to the ruling Jamaica Labour Party.

Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.