ST JAMES, Jamaica — The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has confirmed that four men were killed during an early morning police operation at the Retirement Dump in St James on Wednesday.

Police say the armed confrontation between the men and members of the security forces occurred about 5:40 am.

According to the cops, the targeted operation in the Retirement community was driven by intelligence developed during ongoing investigations into recent acts of violence in the area, including the murder of a man at the Retirement dump on Friday, June 5. They say the violence is linked to an ongoing conflict among individuals operating within the scrap metal trade at the dump.

READ: Body found at Retirement landfill

Intelligence gathered by the police indicated that long standing disputes among persons involved in the collection and sale of scrap metal and other recyclable materials had escalated in recent weeks, resulting in a cycle of violent reprisals and heightened tensions within the community.

Police say in response to intelligence suggesting a heightened risk of further violence and retaliation, law enforcement personnel were deployed to the area as part of  efforts to disrupt criminal activity, prevent additional loss of life, and restore public safety.

During the operation, lawmen claim they came under attack, and a confrontation ensued, resulting in the four men being fatally shot.

Observer Online has since learned that a father and son were counted among those killed

READ: UPDATE: Father and son among dead following security operation in Montego Bay

In keeping with established procedures, the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) was notified and has commenced investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The JCF noted that no further information will be released at this time while investigations remain active.