US says 500 fighters give up arms in Iraq

BAGHDAD (AFP) — The US military said on Wednesday that more than 500 insurgents who fought US and Iraqi forces had surrendered their arms in the past three weeks and joined the reconciliation process in central Iraq.

"A total of 506 insurgents in the region of Balad have reconciled with the Iraqi government, choosing a different path for their lives," a military statement said.

It said the 506 insurgents had surrended since May 22 but did not specify exactly how the surrenders worked and the men gave up their arms.

US commander in the region, Lieutenant Colonel Bob McCarthy said "the process seeks to reintegrate those who have felt marginalised back into the maturing governance process here."

"This is a key step in re-establishing their ties to the communities, rejoining their families in their homes and becoming active participants in Iraq's future."

The military said fighters had already led security forces to various weapons caches in the area and that "assorted rockets, artillery rounds, rocket propelled grenade launchers, mortar rounds, rifles and ammunition have been relinquished..."

The statement said that former fighters had to sign a cease-fire agreement and "if they face criminal charges, they must stand before the Iraqi court system before being fully reintegrated into civil society."

Out of the 506, a total of 160 had already had court dates set with several having been found to be not guilty of the charges they faced, the military said.
AFP