Gunfire erupted and explosions could be heard as they moved into the Tivoli Gardens area, backed by helicopters.

Supporters of Mr Coke are fighting to stop his extradition to the US on drug and gun-running charges.

A soldier was killed in the latest fighting, following two police deaths on May 23.

At least one other soldier was wounded and six police officers received injuries.

There are also reports of violence in other parts of Kingston, raising fears that the unrest is spreading.

A state of emergency was declared in parts of Kingston on Friday after several police stations were attacked.

The operation started around noon on May 24, when large numbers of soldiers were seen heading to the poor Tivoli Gardens in west Kingston.

Plumes of smoke could be seen coming from the area as helicopters buzzed overhead.

Security Minister Dwight Nelson said the soldiers, in a joint operation with police, had broken down the barricades around Tivoli Gardens and were doing a house-to-house search for Mr Coke.

Police had met heavy resistance from gunmen as they tried to enter Tivoli Gardens.

Residents in the area were advised to remain indoors but the streets were already quiet as Jamaica observed its Labour Day holiday.

Tivoli Gardens, the constituency represented in parliament by Prime Minister Bruce Golding, is the stronghold of Mr Coke, 41, who says he is a community leader. His supporters see him as a man who is fulfilling a role that the government does not, such as giving them money to support their children.