(Jamaica Observer) Police Commissioner Owen Ellington yesterday reported that there are currently 42 gang conflicts raging across the island. Speaking at a special Post Cabinet press briefing called by Security Minister Peter Bunting yesterday, Ellington said the security forces were working hard to contain the violence.
A total of 165 persons have been killed since the start of the year and Ellington said most were the result of gang wars.
“There are currently 42 gang conflicts in nine police divisions. The police and military resources are focussed on trying to contain many of these conflicts,” he said.
The Spanish Town-based One Order and Klansman gangs are currently embroiled in conflicts with each other while the Klansman gang is currently imploding because of internal conflict over leadership.
There are also gang feuds in St James and Clarendon and police report that the six double murders to have been committed since the start of the year are as a result of gang wars.
“We are trying to prevent further escalation. we are trying to deny gang members freedom of movement by saturating communities they frequent, regular vehicle checks and other methods,” He said.
On Monday six suspected gang members were arrested in connection with murders, shootings and other serious offenses. The six were among 60 persons who were detained during police operations in St Catherine and Kingston.
