KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) says it has launched an investigation into an incident captured on video showing soldiers beating a man and woman with a gun at a checkpoint in the Denham Town Zone of Special Operation.

According to the JDF, the incident which went viral on social media happened on Wednesday, May 4.

In the video, a woman can be seen arguing with four soldiers as they detain a man. One of the soldiers then pushes her away to which she reacted by shoving him back. Another soldier then rushes in, pushing her away and raising his gun at her.

The man who had been detained then exited the soldiers’ service vehicle and rushed to the woman’s defence, to which the soldier reacted by beating him with his gun. The woman was also hit with the gun during the incident.

The matter was diffused by another soldier and both civilians were taken away in the jeep.

In a statement on Thursday, addressing the circulation of the video on social media, the JDF said it remains committed to ensuring that appropriate actions will be taken as deemed necessary.

“We continue to urge residents of communities within which the security forces are required to operate to cooperate with our personnel as they seek to ensure the safety and security of citizens within these spaces,” the force said.

The JDF added that it is committed to working with the Jamaica Constabulary Force in re-evaluating how the challenges in the community may be better managed.

Anyone with information relating to this or any other matter of a security nature is encouraged to call the JDF Tip Line at 876-837-8888.