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Tikrit rebels ‘push back Iraq army’

International Desk |
Update: 2014-06-29 08:02:00
Tikrit rebels ‘push back Iraq army’ Photo Courtesy: veooz.com

DHAKA: Iraqi government forces trying to retake the city of Tikrit from Sunni insurgents have pulled back to a nearby town amid fierce clashes.

Reports say, according to the BBC.

Government troops launched an assault on the city on Saturday with tanks, armored vehicles and air support.

Eyewitnesses say both sides suffered heavy losses and that the army had to pull back to Dijla, 25km to the south.

The city of Tikrit was captured by Sunni rebels on 11 June as they swept across large parts of northern Iraq.

Heavy fighting took place on Saturday between the Iraqi security forces and armed men from different factions controlling Tikrit, eyewitnesses and journalists told the BBC.

The security forces launched a major attack using tanks and armored military vehicles supported by air cover and there were many casualties from both sides, the sources said.

Insurgents, led by the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (Isis), were reported to have shot down a helicopter and captured the pilot.

The witnesses said the Iraqi forces had been hampered in their bid to retake the city by the large number of improvised explosive devices laid on the approaches to the city.

Earlier in the week Iraqi special forces had been inserted into a position near Tikrit’s university to establish a foothold in the city, but it is not clear whether they have remained.

BDST: 1801 HRS, JUNE 29, 2014

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