Iraqi Prime Minister Declares Victory in Tikrit Battle Against 'Islamic State'

Haider al-Abadi, the Prime Minister of Iraq, announced on Tuesday, April 1, that the country's military and paramilitary forces have advanced in the battle against Islamic State (ISIS) militants in Tikrit and have taken control of the city center. In a statement, the Prime Minister said, "I declare the liberation of Tikrit and congratulate the Iraqi security forces and popular volunteers for this decisive victory." According to the Associated Press, he added that Iraqi forces have taken control of the south and west of Tikrit and are currently 300 meters from the city center, expecting to fully seize the city soon. Reports indicate that clashes continue in the streets of Tikrit and its outskirts, with conflicting reports emerging. Talib Shagati, an Iraqi army general, stated that 75% of Tikrit has been retaken from ISIS forces, while Ammar Hikmat, the governor of Salahuddin, claimed that about 40% of Tikrit is in the hands of Iraqi forces. Hikmat added, "Iraqi forces are advancing towards the presidential palace in Tikrit, and we expect that within the next 24 hours, Tikrit will be completely retaken." An Associated Press reporter accompanying Iraqi forces in the area reported that the historic presidential palace in Tikrit and other government buildings are under siege. Tikrit is the birthplace of Saddam Hussein, the former dictator of Iraq. ISIS militants captured Tikrit last year in a lightning attack and subsequently took Mosul. Iraqi forces are attempting to strengthen their offensive towards Mosul by retaking Tikrit. Saad Ma'an Ibrahim, a spokesman for the Iraqi Ministry of Interior, stated that at least 40 militants were killed during Tuesday's attacks in Tikrit, and Iraqi forces managed to defuse over 300 roadside bombs. He also mentioned that Iraqi government forces, with police assistance and support from paramilitaries, have cleared government buildings and the local council building, taking control of all security buildings in the presidential palace in Tikrit. Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, the leader of the Shiite paramilitary forces, who had announced a boycott of military operations a week ago, stated that his forces are present in the Tikrit operation and will soon participate in offensive operations in the north and west as well. The report indicates that with the support of U.S. airstrikes, ground forces have continued their advance towards Tikrit. The retaking of Tikrit, located 130 kilometers north of Baghdad, is considered a significant achievement for the central government. It has also been reported that with 25,000 Iraqi military forces on the ground and U.S. air support, operations to retake Mosul will begin next week.