Prime Minister Andrew Holness has defended the first Zone of Special Operation being launched in Mt. Salem, St. James.

The Prime Minister was making a statement in parliament this afternoon (Sept. 12).

There have been questions raised about the rationale for launching the zone on the Mt. Salem area as opposed to other areas which some believed were more deserving.

The Prime Minister also poured cold water on fears that were raised in the lead up to the zone being declared about possible wanton abuse of human rights.

The Prime Minister stated that the conduct has been more than above board.

Meantime, Mr. Holness says the deployment of security forces in the Zone of Special Operations is not depleting or drawing away resources from areas where there’s a flare-up of violence.

Mr. Holness was responding to questions posed by Opposition Spokesman on National Security Peter Bunting.

Mr. Holness says the deployment of police officers was given careful consideration by the National Security Council during the planning of the ZOSO.

He says selected police officers were trained for deployment to the zones.

He adds that the Jamaica Defence Force has soldiers in reserve to assist where necessary.

Mr. Holness says there was a minor hiccup when some officers did not turn up at the zones.

However, new trainees were brought in to supplement the fleet of officers.