ST ANN, Jamaica — A man was killed during a major joint operation between the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) in Armadale, St Ann on Thursday. 

The operation, which started at about 9:15 pm Thursday extended into Friday morning as the security forces searched for men who engaged them in a major gun battle. 

Reports are that during the operation, carried out by the Mobile Reserve and the JDF, the team went to a house at Armadale in Alexandria, St Ann. 

The occupants of the house reportedly threw two grenades at the police, one of which exploded. 

A policeman was injured, however, his injuries are not considered life threatening. 

Members of the JDF managed to prevent the other grenade from detonating. 

Following the grenade attack, the gunmen reportedly engaged the police in a shootout during which they managed to escape from the house. 

After the exchange of gunfire, the police along with members of the JDF carried out a search of the area where the body of a male was found. 

He was identified as one of the men who had earlier engaged the police. 

The operation was reportedly in search of wanted men from Westmoreland.

Renae Dixon