Iraqi forces retake govt HQ in Tikrit

KIRKUK, Iraq: Iraqi forces have retaken the Salaheddin provincial government headquarters in Tikrit from the Islamic State Jihadist group, a significant advance in the battle to recapture the city, officials said on Tuesday.
Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said security forces and Popular Mobilisation units — pro-government paramilitary forces dominated by Iran-backed militias — took part in the fighting, after some of those groups said they froze offensive operations in response to US-led air strikes.
“Iraqi forces cleared the government complex in Tikrit,” an army major general said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
“The government buildings have been under our control since last night (Monday).”
It is the most significant advance in Tikrit since pro-government forces launched an operation to retake the city on March 2, their largest since IS led an offensive that overran much of the country´s Arab heartland last June.
Salaheddin Governor Raad al-Juburi confirmed that the government headquarters had been retaken, saying that Iraqi flags now flew over various recaptured buildings in the city.
Badr spokesman Karim al-Nuri also said that the government headquarters was recaptured.
“Our security forces arrived at the centre of the city of Tikrit and freed the southern and western sides, and are moving to take control of the entire city,” Abadi said in a statement.
Soldiers, policemen, Popular Mobilisation fighters, tribesmen and Tikrit residents were taking part in the fighting, while the US-led coalition and Iraqi forces provided air support.
Key militia forces in the Popular Mobilisation said they were halting Tikrit operations when the coalition began air strikes in the area after weeks during which Iran was the main foreign partner in the operation.
The US-led strikes started last Wednesday, angering militiamen who accused Washington of attempting to hijack their victory.