HANOVER, Jamaica —Three alleged gunmen, including a reputed gang leader, were killed in a police operation in Hanover on Wednesday.

According to the communications arm of the Jamaica Constabulary Force, the ordeal unfolded along the Mosquito Cove main road.

Reports are that about 5:35 pm, the Area 1 Fugitive Apprehension Team (AFAT), acting on intelligence, were conducting a special operation when they signalled a dark-coloured Toyota Voxy to stop. Four men armed with guns allegedly exited the vehicle and began shooting at the police.

The officers reportedly returned fire, leading to a running gun battle. At the end of the fire, three of the attackers were shot and injured, while the fourth managed to escape. The injured men were taken to the hospital, where they were pronounced dead. Two firearms were also seized during the incident.

One of the deceased has since been identified as Clive Lawson, also known as ‘Greedy’, from Mount Salem in Saint James. Lawson was reportedly the leader of the Katon Defence Force (KDF) gang, which operates in the Mount Salem area. He was also a suspect in a recent attack on Campbell Lane, St James, in which a man was killed and several homes fired upon.

Police Area 1 comprises Westmoreland, Hanover, St James and Trelawny. The Area 1 management team has since sought to reassure the public that operations targeting wanted individuals and violence producers will continue.

The Area 1 Police Command says it remains committed to ensuring the safety of residents and has issued a warning to criminals that no effort will be spared in bringing them to justice.