TIKRIT, Salahadin province - At least 60 percent of areas northeast of Tikrit city have been retaken from ISIS militants by Iraqi joint forces, officials announced on Monday. According to military sources, the Iraqi army and Shiite militant groups are tightening their encirclement around Tikrit, the administrative center of Salahadin province, and the entire city is expected to be recaptured soon. At least 40 ISIS armored vehicles and cars have reportedly retreated to al-Huwaija district, 117km southwest of Kirkuk city, in Kirkuk province. The sources estimate 60 percent of the area northeast of Tikrit, and 80 percent of the Albu- Ajili area south of Tikrit, are now under the control of Iraqi forces. The joint operation to retake Tikrit has lasted eight days, with military officials reportedly preparing for a final assault in the immediate future.
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