KINGSTON, Jamaica, May 25 (UPI) -- The death toll mounted Tuesday in the third day of fighting between security forces and drug cartel gunmen in Jamaica's capital.
The Jamaica Gleaner reported 26 civilians and one member of the security forces were killed and 25 civilians and 7 security personnel were injured in the fighting in the Tivoli Gardens and Denham Town sections of Kingston.
The deaths came as the U.S. State Department issued a travel warning.
The New York Times reported the fighting blocked access to Kingston's airport.
Security forces are attempting to apprehend reputed drug lord Christopher "Dudus" Coke for extradition to the United States to face trial on drug charges.
Prime Minister Bruce Golding, who has issued a 30-day emergency declaration for the two Kingston neighborhoods, is expected to address Parliament about the situation.
The Gleaner said 211 people have been arrested including six women. Firearms, ammunition, binoculars, army fatigues and ballistic vests also have been seized, the Gleaner said.
