Fierce Clashes Rage Around Iraqi City Of Tikrit

HHG

Fierce clashes are taking place very close to the Iraqi city of Tikrit, as soldiers and militiamen attack Islamic State positions in the centre, officials say. BBC was there:

Battles were reported in the suburb of al-Dour, the western al-Zuhur district, the northern area of Qadisiya, and near the Teaching Hospital in the south. But the government advance has been slowed by roadside bombs planted by IS. Iranian commanders are helping to co-ordinate the operation, which is not backed by US-led coalition air strikes.

Iraqi forces have been launching air strikes since the operation began on Sunday, but it is unclear whether Iranian warplanes have also been involved.

A security source in the Samarra Operations Command in Salahuddin province told the BBC that the Iraqi Army personnel and members of the Popular Mobilisation force, an Iranian-backed Shia militia, were engaged in fierce battles on the outskirts of Tikrit on Tuesday.