DHAKA: Iraqi government forces advanced into Tikrit on several fronts, forcing Islamic State (IS) militants to fall back to the city centre, officials say.

Soldiers and militiamen have reportedly retaken key sites including a police headquarters and a hospital, reports BBC.

Iraq’s defence minister said Tikrit’s recapture could serve as a “launch pad” for further operations against IS.

It is the biggest offensive against IS mounted by the government since the jihadist group’s rise in June of 2014.

The battle for Tikrit - Saddam Hussein’s hometown - appeared to be entering a critical phase on Thursday.

About 3,000 Iraqi soldiers and police made a final push for the city, backed by 20,000 Popular Mobilisation Shia militiamen and a much smaller force of Sunni tribesmen.

BDST: 1249 HRS, MAR 13, 2015