Soldier killed

A Jamaica Defence Force soldier was shot and killed while attempting to storm the community of Tivoli Gardens in West Kingston this afternoon.

He was among four soldiers who were rushed to hospital, after they were shot by gunmen in the community.

Police said in a release that a total of seven members of the security forces have been injured.

According to one of the soldiers — who was hit in his right arm and leg — another of his colleagues is now battling for life, while the other is in stable condition.

“I guess I am the luckiest of all of them,” said the soldier, who with bandages on his injuries, watched a television newscast inside the hospital’s waiting room.

Asked approximately how many persons have lost their lives in the now hostile community, the soldier responded: “I can’t say; we could not see them from where I was.”

He said gunmen have taken up cover in several buildings inside the area, and are firing at the security forces from all angles.

“I got shot on Industrial Terrace; the second shot I got at the entrance to the Tivoli Gardens High school, and the other I got further up the road,” said the officer, pointing to his leg and arm respectively.

Up to less than 15 minutes ago reports reached the Observer that another soldier was also shot and injured.

Since yesterday, at least two police officers and a soldier have been killed, while seven police officers and four soldiers have been injured.

Several civilian casualties have also been reported.