Iraq launches Tikrit operation against Islamic State

Iraq has launched a military operation to recapture Saddam Hussein's hometown of Tikrit from Islamic State Local media reported that forces were attacking the city, backed by airstrikes from Iraqi fighter jets. Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi earlier met military leaders in Salahuddin province, ahead of the advance and offered to pardon all Sunni tribal fighters who abandoned IS, describing it as a "last chance". Al-Iraqiya TV said that IS militants had been dislodged from some areas outside Tikrit but this has not been confirmed. Tikrit, hometown of former President Saddam Hussein, was the second major gain for IS after the group captured the city of Mosul in June last year.