Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi on Thursday proposed an amnesty to security forces personnel who fled after an Islamic State jihadist group attack on their positions. However the amnesty is only valid if they return to their units within 30 days.
In their haste to escape, some security personnel shed their uniforms and abandoned vehicles, weapons and other equipment, which the jihadists have since used against the government forces.
The amnesty specifically excludes those who committed offences including crimes against state security, corruption and abuse of influence. Although it was unclear if the tens of thousands of ‘ghost soldiers,’ those who are on the payroll but do not show up for work, sometimes splitting salaries with their commanders, would be included.
Iraqi security forces have regained significant territory from ISIL over the past few months.