Iraq Claims Final Victory In The Battle For Tikrit

Reuters: Iraq claims victory over Islamic State in Tikrit

(Reuters) - The Iraqi government claimed victory over Islamic State insurgents in Tikrit on Wednesday after a month-long battle for the city supported by Shi'ite militiamen and U.S.-led air strikes, saying that only small pockets of resistance remained.

State television showed Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi, accompanied by leaders of the army and police, the provincial governor and Shi'ite paramilitary leaders, parading through Tikrit and raising an Iraqi flag.

The militants captured the city, about 140 km (90 miles) north of Baghdad, last June as they swept through most of Iraq's Sunni Muslim territories, swatting aside a demoralised and disorganised army that has now required an uneasy combination of Iranian and American support to get back on its feet.

WNU Editor: Some are skeptical of these sweeping claims .... Iraqi Claims That ‘Tikrit Has Fallen’ Is Disputed (NYT)

More News On Iraq Claiming A Final Victory In The Battle For Tikrit

Iraq claims "magnificent victory" over ISIS -- CBS/AP
Iraq hails Tikrit 'liberation' after month-long battle -- AFP
Iraq claims victory over ISIS in Tikrit, but US military official says 'block-to-block' fighting ongoing -- FOX News
Iraq takes back Tikrit from ISIS: Jihadists lose battle for region as government forces raise country's flag in city centre -- Daily Mail
Iraq army hunts ISIL fighters after Tikrit breakthrough -- Al Jazeera

Update: Iraq claims victory over ISIS in Tikrit, but US military official says 'block-to-block' fighting ongoing -- FOX News