AFP: Iraq's Tikrit offensive stalled by IS bombs
Samarra (Iraq) (AFP) - Iraq's offensive to retake Tikrit from the Islamic State group was stalled Tuesday because of streets and buildings rigged with booby trap bombs and by the several hundred jihadists still holding out there.
Troops, police and militia fairly easily boxed the jihadists in over recent days, but mopping them up is proving to be far harder.
"The battle to retake Tikrit will be difficult because of the preparations (IS) made," said Jawwad al-Etlebawi, spokesman for Asaib Ahl al-Haq, a Shiite militia playing a major role in the operation.
WNU Editor: The above Al jazeera video report on the battle for Tikrit is very revealing on how difficult it has become for Iraq's army and Shiite militias to seize Tikrit. In short .... even the best trained Iraqi forces are being butchered by sniper fire and booby traps.
More News On The Battle For Tikrit
ISIS Digs Heels Into Tikrit as Iraq Offensive Slows -- Time
Iraq Halts Operation To Retake Tikrit From ISIS -- Breitbart
Iraq halts Tikrit operation to limit losses of 'heroic forces' -- Middle East Eye
ISIS Beheads 4 Government 'Recruiters' as Tikrit Advance Slows -- Arutz Sheva
In battle to retake Tikrit, Sunnis form unlikely alliance with Shiite militias -- Rudaw/AP
In Iraq, The Final Battle For Tikrit Is Likely To Be The Hardest -- NPR
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