Iraqi security forces, assisted by Shia militias and Sunni fighters, plan to retake the Iraqi city of Tikrit from the Islamic State in less than 72 hours in what would be a major defeat for the brutal group. The city, seized by the IS in a blitz offensive last summer, is still partially controlled by the militants.
Less than a hundred IS fighters are believed to remain encircled in central Tikrit. But the operation to liberate the city is far from over. Militants are well protected by snipers and bombs planted across the city.
Iraq launched a major offensive against the Islamic State in Tikrit two weeks ago. The operation is seen as key to liberating Iraq's second largest city of Mosul, the Islamic State's stronghold in Iraq.
