Reuters: Iraqi offensive to dislodge Islamic State from Tikrit appears to stall
(Reuters) - The offensive to retake Tikrit appeared to stall on Friday, two days after Iraqi security forces and mainly Shi'ite militia pushed into Saddam Hussein's home city in their biggest offensive yet against the militants.
A source in the Salahuddin Operations Command said Iraqi forces would not move forward until reinforcements reached Tikrit, of which Islamic State still holds around half.
Using guerrilla warfare tactics, the militants have turned the city into a labyrinth of home-made bombs and booby-trapped buildings, and are using snipers to halt their progress.
WNU Editor: It appears that this is not going to be the quick victory that Iraqi and Iranian officials were hoping for.
More News On The Battle For Tikrit
Islamic State conflict: Iraqi forces 'push into Tikrit' -- BBC
Iraqi forces push toward center of city held by ISIS -- CBS News
Iraqi forces, Shiite militias in final push to retake Tikrit -- France 24
Last Stand For IS Fighters In Tikrit Battle -- SKY News
'Islamic State' prepares for last stand in Tikrit -- Deutsche Welle
U.S. watching Tikrit blazes with concern as Iraqi fighters advance -- Reuters
Tikrit offensive vital in reversing Islamic State gains in Iraq and Syria, analysts say -- Washington Times
A Balancing Act as Iraq Claims Gains in Tikrit -- Tikrit
Shiite ‘Soldiers of God’ Color Tikrit Battle -- WSJ
As Battle in Iraq Against ISIS Broadens, So Do Backstage Moves -- Anne Barnard, WSJ
2 comments:
Time has now become an enemy of the "Iraqi" offensive.
1) There has been an outcry campaign started over atrocities. True or not (I happen to believe it's true) is beside the point, the fact there is protests that will only grow is important.
2) Israeli elections are very near. They may go into action against Irani/Hezbollah forcing operating in the Golan area shortly after, denying them for reinforcement anywhere else.
3) As noted in another post American public opinion is changing and the possibility of US ground forces being committed grows as does the withdrawal of air support which would allow ISIS movement outside of cities.
4)For the Irani's to achieve what I believe to be their main strategic aim they must take Mosul. They should have simply by passed Tikrit after sealing it off and letting nature take it's course, but they can't now (see#1).
5) Now they must fight for Tikrit. US airpower won't help much, especially without trained US foward observers. They will take casualties that they can't afford (especially IRG and Shia militia's) and they've joined a battle that they can't afford to lose.
the above should read "Irani/Hezbollah forces operating"
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