The pamphlet, signed by coalition ground forces commander Lieutenant General David McKiernan, warned that "any person violating the ruling on the possession of weapons is liable to one year in prison and a fine of 1,000 dollars."

Those without permits will be allowed to keep small arms in their homes and workplaces for self-defence, but they will not be allowed to take them outside.

The coalition has announced a ban on all heavy weapons, explosives and automatic weapons firing ammunition larger than 7.62 millimetres.

But a two-week amnesty that began Sunday for Iraqis to turn in their weapons has netted little so far.

US Central Command said Monday that citizens in Baghdad, which is awash in weapons since the fall of Saddam on April 9, had so far turned in nine AK-47s, 35 grenade launchers and a small quantity of ammunition.

It said coalition forces "expect an increase in the number of weapons and munitions the Iraqi people will turn in as they become more confident about the value of the programme."

WAR.WIRE