Two men were fatally shot and an illegal rifle was seized during two separate, but connected, police operations in St Catherine on Thursday.

The operations relate to aspects of ongoing investigations into the recent multi-victim shooting incident in Commodore District, St Catherine, which left five dead and four injured.

In the first incident, which occurred shortly after 5 am, a joint police-military team conducted an intelligence-led operation at Jewels Estate, Nollis, Bog Walk. Upon entering the premises, the team was confronted by a man armed with a rifle who pointed the weapon in the direction of the officers.

The lawmen opened fire, and the man was later pronounced dead. An M16 rifle, a magazine and ammunition were seized.

Later that morning, in a subsequent connected operation, another police team intercepted a vehicle in which several men were travelling along Grange Lane, also in St Catherine.

The occupants of the vehicle reportedly opened fire at the police. The gunfire was returned, and when the shooting subsided, one man was found suffering from gunshot wounds. A pistol was seized from the injured man. He was taken to the Spanish Town Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Both incidents have been formally reported to the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM), and detectives from the St Catherine North Police Division are continuing their investigations.

The Jamaica Constabulary Force continues to appeal to members of the public to share information that can assist in the investigation of these and other incidents. Persons may contact Crime Stop at 311, the NIB Tip Line at 811, or the nearest police station.