The Battle For The Iraqi City Of Tikrit Continues

Voice of America: In IS Fight, Worries Grow Over Iran, Sectarian Divide

PENTAGON — As the battle for Tikrit rages between Islamic State militants and Iraqi security forces and Shi'ite militias, two major concerns have emerged: the role of Iran and the fear that sectarian divides will grow wider.

Days of fighting around Tikrit have yielded slow progress against Islamic State militants, who have held the city since last June.

''Our troops are now advancing according to the drawn up plan, though there are so many bombs planted by Islamic State militants to hinder our progress,” Iraqi Lieutenant General Abdul Amir al-Zaidi said.

More News On The Battle For Tikrit

Iraqi and Iranian forces push on toward Tikrit -- CBS/AP
Advancing Iraq troops enter strategic town on edge of Tikrit -- Reuters
Iranian general at the forefront of the Tikrit offensive -- Threat Matrix
Iraqi Forces Advance on ISIS in Tikrit, Saddam Hussein's Hometown -- NBC
Islamic State denies losing ground in Tikrit -- Threat Matrix
ISIS burns oil wells as Iraq troops push toward outskirts of Tikrit -- FOX News
Thousands Reportedly Flee Battle In Tikrit -- NPR
Thousands flee Tikrit battle -- Euronews
U.S. warns Tikrit offensive must not fuel sectarianism -- Al Arabiya/AFP
Why the US is sitting out Iraq’s most important assault on ISIL -- Michael Pizzi, Al Jazeera
The military assault on Tikrit, Iraq, in pictures -- Washington Post