World | Iraq Baghdad Collars 1,000 in al-Qaeda Offensive Mosul, Nineveh center of crackdown By Kevin Spak Posted May 17, 2008 3:34 PM CDT Copied Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, left, arrives in Mosul, Iraq, Wednesday, May 14, 2008. (AP Photo/Emad Matti) Iraqi forces have detained over 1,000 suspected militants in a massive push to drive al-Qaeda out of northern Iraq, Reuters reports. The crackdown centers on Mosul, al-Qaeda’s last major urban foothold. “This operation will last until we finish off all the terrorist remnants and outlaws,” said the Iraqi general leading the charge. Nouri al-Maliki meanwhile returned to Baghdad, after spending several days with the troops. Yesterday, he offered amnesty and an unspecified cash reward to any militants who turned over their guns, provided they hadn’t killed anyone. The defense ministry says scores have turned over weapons, while 1,068 suspected militants have been detained. Read These Next Defense officials react to Hegseth's Quantico meeting. Colorado wants to give 'peace of mind' on Hunter S. Thompson. Government shutdown is here. Here's what to expect. Turns out life on the California coast isn't always breezy. Report an error