Human Rights Watch calls for investigation of civilian deaths in Jamaica street battles

May 28: After a raid in Tivoli Gardens neighborhood that left dozens dead in four days of gunbattles, gravedigger Irtol Titul walks next to the coffins of people killed during clashes at the public cemetery in Kingston. (AP)

KINGSTON, Jamaica – KINGSTON, Jamaica (AP) — Human Rights Watch is calling for an investigation into allegations that Jamaican security forces executed some of the people killed in the hunt for a reputed drug lord.

The organization's Americas director says credible reports from local advocates indicate that some of the 73 civilian deaths in last week's street battles were extrajudicial killings.

Jose Miguel Vivanco said Friday that an independent investigation is needed to determine whether police and soldiers used excessive force.

The fighting began when security forces raided the West Kingston stronghold of Christopher "Dudus" Coke, who is wanted by the U.S. He remains at large.

Jamaican authorities had no immediate comment.