By Dwayne Mcleod, Staff Reporter

War has again erupted in the volatile August Town, St. Andrew, leaving residents cowering in fear.

The most recent flare-up has lead to unbearable tension in the community. While there has been no reported deaths, there have been several shootings leading residents to think there will never be peace.

"Da war ya naw done, police or not, it naw go eva stop," one resident replied when asked about the situation.

THE STAR learnt that several areas in the community are involved in the conflict which does not have any political ties. At present, gangs from 'Colour Red', 'Bedward Pastures', 'Jungle 12', 'Vietnam' and 'River' are at odds.

Police and residents said the feud is linked to gangs' fight ing for dominance and turf. "A nuh political war. Nuh war neva did a gwaan inna di big election. People only think seh a politics but a nuh nuttin like that," a resident of 'Colour Red' said.

The residents said police patrols were visiting the area but when they leave the warring resumes. "A jus' tru di police dem deh bout ya now mek nuh shot naw beat," one resident said.

A STAR team saw a police unit at the top of the August Town Road while a handful of people was seen scattered about the usually lively area. Two more patrol cars were seen going back and forth near 'Colour Red', also known as 'Judgement Yard' corner.

Serious tings

Upon approaching a few residents seen conversing, one said, "Yu know seh a dat wi deh yah a talk 'bout," before adding, "mi si some man wid some gun deh, mi heart reach a mi mouth 'cause mi know seh police nuh have dem gun deh ... A serious things a gwaan."

Residents say the tension has forced them to vacate the streets from as early as 5 p.m. each evening. They said they have to be extra cautious where they venture. "Cause so much man a war, wi haffi careful weh wi walk, 'cause man from 'Colour Red' cyaa go too far dung di road. Man from 'Jungle 12' cyaa come up ya so and so forth," one explained.

Residents of 'Bottom August Town Road', also known as 'Vietnam', said they had been threatened by men from 'River', an adjoining area which they claim is attempting a takeover.

"Di man dem from ova River seh dem want some house from ova Vietnam, but wi ago fight fi it, 'cause wi work too hard fi jus' mek man come run wi out jus' suh," one Vietnam resident said.

The stretch of road leading into Vietnam is branded the 'Gaza Strip', as men from both communities have often exchanged gunfire there. An armoured police vehicle was parked in an abandoned lot close by. Residents claim that the vehicle's presence has deterred gunmen from carrying out their shootings.

"If a neva fi di black truck weh yu si ova deh so, mi wouldn't come out a road. A jus' because dem deh 'bout, mek mi come out," said a resident.

Senior Supt. Ray Alexander, leading an operation in the area, said the police are interested in a man who is a key factor behind the flare-up. He said the man left the area some time ago, but recently returned and is attempting to reassert his dominance - which has not gone well with some people.

Police say there have been four shooting incidents since last week Tuesday, with three persons being injured.

SSP Alexander said the area is calm but tense. "The police will be going through the area with the aim of reassuring the residents and will be maintaining patrols," he added.