Iran Is Aiding Iraq In Its Attack On Tikrit. U.S. Support Is Nowhere Seen

Bloomberg: Iraq Starts Attack on Tikrit With Iranian Help, No U.S. Strikes

(Bloomberg) -- Iraq is deploying 27,000 troops to retake the city of Tikrit from Islamic State, in a mission that will test the military’s ability to stage major offensives against the group before trying to capture its stronghold in Mosul.

Shiite militias are backing up police and army soldiers, according to state-run al-Iraqiyah television. Qassem Suleimani, the head of Iran’s elite Quds Force, arrived two days ago to “review and advise” Iraqi field commanders, the Fars news agency reported on Monday.

WNU Editor: Apparently the U.S. were surprised when the Iraqis announced their offensive to recapture Tikrit .... Iraq’s Attack Against ISIS Catches U.S. ‘By Surprise’ (Daily Beast), and as a result have declared that they will steer clear of this battle .... U.S. Steers Clear of Tikrit, Cites Iran Role in Support of Iraqis (WSJ). U.S. fears on Iran's growing influence in iraq are becoming more and more evident .... U.S. fears Iran military influence growing in Iraq (USA Today)

More News On Iran's Growing Role In Iraq

Iran Backs Iraq Military Campaign to Reclaim Tikrit From Islamic State -- Wall Street Journal
Iranian General Again in Iraq for Tikrit Offensive -- Defense News
Iraqi Parliament Asks Iranian General to Coordinate Joint Assault on ISIL -- Sputnik
Iranian role in Iraq offensive to recapture Tikrit? -- BBC
Tikrit Offensive: Where is the US? -- VOA
Iraq's assault on Isis sparks fears of new atrocities in the Sunni triangle -- The Guardian

Update: The following analysis paints a grim picture on who is leading the Iraq fight to retake Tikrit .... The Sunni-killers leading the assault on Tikrit are bad news for Iraq (Quartz).