(Edits, adds background)

BAGHDAD, March 26 (Reuters) - Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki on Wednesday ordered militants fighting Iraqi security forces in Basra to lay down their weapons and turn themselves in within 72 hours or face "severe penalties".

"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."

Maliki did not elaborate on what those penalties would be.

Iraqi security forces launched a major military operation on Tuesday to clear oil-rich Basra, 550 km (340 miles) southeast of Baghdad, of gunmen.

(Reporting by Waleed Ibrahim; Writing by Randy Fabi)

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