Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

bemildred

(90,061 posts)
Tue Mar 10, 2015, 08:07 PM Mar 2015

Iraqi and Shiite Forces Seize Large Parts of Tikrit From Islamic State

Source: NYT

BAGHDAD — Iraqi security forces and allied Shiite militias seized large parts of Tikrit on Tuesday, amid reports that most of the Islamic State militants battling to hold the city had begun retreating, security officials said.

The progress came after a week of heavy fighting to retake Tikrit, a city in the so-called Sunni triangle that holds strategic and emotional importance in the effort to roll back the Islamic State’s lightning advance toward Baghdad in June.

The offensive is the largest pro-government military operation yet, involving a combined force of more than 30,000. And if it succeeds, it would be a significant step in the march north to Mosul, Iraq’s second-largest city and an early conquest for the Islamic State, also known as ISIS or ISIL.

Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/11/world/middleeast/iraqi-forces-seize-large-parts-tikrit-islamic-state-militants.html?_r=0

2 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Iraqi and Shiite Forces Seize Large Parts of Tikrit From Islamic State (Original Post) bemildred Mar 2015 OP
I'll bet they're muttering in Mecca. Comrade Grumpy Mar 2015 #1
google map Al-sahra airfield pasto76 Mar 2015 #2

pasto76

(1,589 posts)
2. google map Al-sahra airfield
Tue Mar 10, 2015, 09:06 PM
Mar 2015

huge FOB outside tikrit. bridge over the river in town, skip and a jump from that refinery and pipeline hub in Beiji. strategic and tactical, and my stomping grounds on my deployment. Glad to see the Iraqis taking it back.

Latest Discussions»Latest Breaking News»Iraqi and Shiite Forces S...