BAGHDAD, June 18 (UPI) -- Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki Wednesday ordered military forces to avoid making needless arrests of Sadrist fighters in the provincial capital of Maysan.
"The prime minister has ordered security forces not to arrest members of the Sadr movement randomly," a statement issued by the prime minister said.
The statement came as Iraqi military forces prepared operations in Amarah, the provincial capital of eastern Maysan province, Middle East Online reported Wednesday.
"He has stressed that only outlaws must be arrested, and he hopes that the Sadr leaders will help in isolating such elements to get rid of them," the Maliki statement continued.
During the weekend, Maliki issued a directive ordering Shiite militias to disarm by June 18. U.S. military helicopters dropped leaflets over the area calling for the surrender of illegal fighters.
Iraqi media reported Tuesday at least 60 gunmen surrendered to Iraqi forces stationed in the provincial capital.
Iraqi military forces are expected to launch their offensive in Amarah Thursday.
