Iraq intensifies assault on ISIL stronghold, Tikrit

The Iraqi army and Shi’ite militiamen have intensified their assault on fallen dictator Saddam Hussein’s former hometown, Tikrit, according to Euronews.

Their strategy, according to security forces, will be to surround the jihadist stronghold, before launching an attack – its biggest ground operation to date against ISIL militants in Iraq.

A 30,000-strong force is backed by jets and helicopters, but is reportedly being hindered by suicide bombers, sniper fire and booby traps.
The pace of the action will now affect plans to recapture Mosul, ISIL’s biggest prize in Iraq. It is thought an assault to recapture that city could begin as early as April.

Since Monday (March 2), the US-led coalition has launched 14 airstrikes on jihadi strongholds in Iraq and Syria, according to a military commander in charge of the operation.