Iraq Launches Operation Against Sunni Insurgents in Northern City

Follow Us

BAGHDAD — Iraqi troops backed by helicopter gunships launched an operation early Saturday aimed at dislodging Sunni militants from the northern city of Tikrit, one of two major urban centers they seized in recent weeks in a dramatic blitz across the country.

After watching much of Iraq slip out of government hands, military officials sought to portray the push that began before dawn as a significant step that puts the army back on the offensive. They said the operation includes commandos, tanks and helicopters, as well as pro-government Sunni fighters and Shiite volunteers.

Iraqi state television said on Saturday afternoon that the operation succeeded in removing all insurgents from Tikrit, The Washington Post reported. Read more...

More about Iraq, Us World, World, Sunni, and Shiite