DHAKA: Iraq says it has received the first batch of fighter jets it ordered from Russia to help it as it fights an offensive by Sunni rebels. 

The defense ministry said five Sukhoi Su-25 attack aircraft would enter service in ‘three to four days’, reports the BBC.

 The insurgents control large swathes of the north and west after a string of attacks over the past three weeks.

 On Saturday, the government said it had retaken the northern city of Tikrit, but rebels dispute this.

 State television said 60 militants had been killed and that preparations were now being made to move north towards rebel-held Mosul.

 The rebels confirmed there had been heavy fighting in the city they took on 11 June, but implied the attack had failed, saying they were pursuing what was left of the army offensive.

 BDST: 1414 HRS, JUNE 29, 2014