Officials said Operation Mother of Two Springs resulted in the capture of 45 missiles, 263 mortar bombs, 1,400 kilograms of explosives and 175 weapons. They said the operation could continue for several weeks.

"This operation will last until we finish off all the terrorist remnants and outlaws," Lt. Gen. Riyad Jalal Tawfiq, commander of the Iraqi operation, said.

On May 16, the Baghdad government announced an amnesty for those who surrender their weapons within 10 days. Al Askari said scores of former insurgents have responded to the offer, which included a reward. So far, the amnesty has been restricted to the Nineveh province.

"We are committed to the amnesty and have reassured them there will be no judicial pursuit against them," Al Askari said. "Any house in Mosul has the right to have only one small weapon — a pistol or rifle."

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