Iraqi forces reclaim Tikrit government HQ from Islamic State

Iraqi security forces have recaptured the city of Tikrit, according to Iraqi state media, representing the largest military move against Islamic State (IS) since territories in the country were seized last summer.

The news was initially announced by Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi on state television and later confirmed by semiofficial Shiite militias on their own channels.

The successful experience of Tikrit will be repeated in other areas.

The Iraqi flag felt from the provincial government headquarters in the city center as insurgents were pushed out of the city by troops.

“The successful experience of Tikrit will be repeated in other areas,” said Abadi, praising security forces’ “protection of civilians and the few casualties among security forces.”