Palestinian police say they have arrested more than 150 people, including security officers, during a crackdown on illegal weapons dealing in the West Bank.

The campaign is unusual because of its scope and because targets include gunmen linked to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah movement. Previously, security forces went mainly after armed supporters of rival Islamic groups.

The operation focuses on the district of Jenin, once hailed as a model where the Palestinian security services were gradually imposing order. The crackdown began several weeks ago after gunmen shot at the house of the district governor and he died of a heart attack.

Police spokesman Adnan Damiri said late Sunday that 60 people are currently being held for questioning. Officials say dozens of weapons were seized.