Two men were fatally shot and an illegal rifle seized during two separate but connected police operations conducted in St. Catherine today.

Police say 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 wounded on Sunday.

Reports are that in the first incident today which occurred shortly after 5:00 A.M., a joint police-military team conducted an operation at Jewels Estate, Knollis, 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.

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 one man was killed. 

Police say illegal firearms were seized, including an M16 rifle. 

Head of Area 5 Assistant Commissioner of Police, Christopher Phillips, says there will be several  operations with the intent to arrest those involved in the shooting incident in commodore.

He added that there will be continued increased police presence in the community and asked the residents for their support.