Iraq has offered an amnesty covering security personnel, who fled or abandoned service when the Islamic State (IS) extremist group overran large areas north and west of Baghdad last year.
A statement issued by Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi's office on April 30 said the amnesty covers those who fled, were absent, or harmed themselves to avoid service, providing they return to their units within 30 days.
The statement said the amnesty excludes those who committed offences including crimes against state security, corruption, and abuse of influence.
Some security personnel had shed their uniforms and abandoned vehicles, weapons and other equipment when an IS-led offensive swept through Iraq last June.
Iraqi security forces have since regained significant territory with backing from progovernment paramilitaries, a U.S.-led coalition, and Iran.
