Jamaican police backed by troops have stormed the stronghold of Christopher 'Dudus' Coke who is wanted by the US on cocaine trafficking and gun-running charges.
Residents said gun battles erupted between the security forces and gang members loyal to Mr Coke, adding that they saw bodies lying in the street.
A police spokesman said the security forces have entered Tivoli Gardens, where Mr Coke is believed to be hiding.
Mr Coke has been holed up in the western Kingston neighbourhood since the Jamaican government last week signed his extradition order.
Although popular for helping impoverished Jamaicans in his neighbourhood, Mr Coke is wanted by the US on charges of cocaine trafficking and gun-running charges and faces life imprisonment if convicted.
The US Department of State has issued a travel alert warning its citizens of the possibility of violence in the area.
Airlines today cancelled a number of flights to and from Jamaica's capital as violence erupted.
Two police officers were killed after coming under attack in the Jamaican capital amid the spreading unrest, despite a state of emergency imposed by the government.
Six police were wounded in the incident yesterday evening after police responded to a call for help from a motorist in eastern Kingston.
The two police officers died after being taken to the University of the West Indies Hospital.
A state of emergency had been declared in two parishes of Kingston after shooting and firebomb attacks on police stations by suspected supporters of Mr Coke.
The Jamaican government said that the 'state of public emergency' came into effect at 12am Irish time.
Tension rose over the last week after Prime Minister Bruce Golding announced he was starting proceedings to extradite Mr Coke.
US prosecutors describe Mr Coke as the leader of the infamous 'Shower Posse' that murdered hundreds of people during the cocaine wars of the 1980s.
