Al Maliki: Basra militants will face 'severe penalties'

Baghdad: Shiite militants clashing with Iraqi security forces must lay down their weapons and surrender within 72 hours or face “severe penalties,'' Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki ordered on Wednesday.

"Those who were deceived into carrying weapons must deliver themselves and make a written pledge to promise they will not repeat such action within 72 hours," he told state television.

"Otherwise, they will face the most severe penalties," he continued, but did not elaborate on what those penalties would be.