White House Confirms That It Is Supporting Military Operations For The Iraqi Military In Tikrit. Air Strikes Are Also Now Being Planned

A pair of US Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles fly over northern Iraq after conducting airstrikes in Syria. (photo credit:REUTERS)

Reuters: Exclusive: U.S.-led coalition planning to carry out Tikrit strikes - source

(Reuters) - The U.S.-led coalition is planning to carry out air strikes in support of Iraqi operations against Islamic State in the city of Tikrit, a U.S. official said on Wednesday, confirming comments by Iraq's president in an interview with Reuters.

The U.S. official, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, declined to discuss timing of any strikes.

The coalition had long been absent from the campaign in Tikrit, the largest undertaken by Iraqi forces and Iranian-backed Shi'ite Muslim militia groups since Islamic State militants overran a third of the country last year.

More News On Reports That The U.S. Is Preparing Air Strikes Against IS Positions In Tikrit

U.S. to launch airstrikes to help Iraq against ISIS -- CBS/AP
Report: US military prepared to help Iran in battle against ISIS -- Jerusalem Post
US has discussed possible airstrikes in support of Iraqi ground offensive in Tikrit -- FOX News/AP
US Aircraft May Soon Join Iraq's Battle Against ISIS in Tikrit -- NYT
US reportedly mulling airstrikes in Tikrit -- The Hill
Iraqi president expects U.S.-led coalition air strikes on Tikrit soon -- Reuters
Pentagon silent on Iraq's prediction of Tikrit air strikes -- Reuters
U.S. providing surveillance to Iraqi forces fighting Islamic State in Tikrit -- Washington Post
U.S. supporting operations in Tikrit: White House -- Reuters