Jamaica Declares Emergency Over Drug Gang Violence

Jamaica has declared a state of emergency as gangs backing a reputed drug lord sought by the US blockaded a huge section of Kingston and attacked police stations. The violence erupted as US authorities moved to extradite drug boss Christopher "Dudus" Coke after his indictment for heading a criminal operation distributing drugs in New York City. Gang members armed with automatic weapons are firing on cops in the streets and have lobbed molotov cocktails at police stations.

Officials have called for "decent and law-abiding citizens" in the troubled areas to evacuate their homes so security forces can ferry them to safety. The US State Department is closely monitoring the situation, reports CNN. (More Jamaica stories.)