Abrams tanks backed by security forces mass on Tikrit outskirts

(IraqiNews.com) A source in Salahuddin Operations Command announced Monday, that Abrams tanks backed by security forces are gathering on the outskirts of Tikrit in preparation for storming it in the coming hours, emphasizing that the Iraqi flag was raised over the local council building in al-Alam district.

The source said in an interview with IraqiNews.com, “Armored forces, vehicles, Abrams tanks, Counter-Terrorism and the rapid intervention troops, in addition to Salahuddin Operations Command advanced today and gathered on the outskirts of the city of Tikrit from the western, northern and southern sides in preparation for storming it in the coming hours.”

The source, who asked to remain anonymous, added, “Missile and artillery bombing is continuing toward ISIS sites in Tikrit city center.”

In the same context, the source continued, “The security forces backed by the Volunteer Fighters (al-Hashd al-Sha’bi) troops managed to raise the Iraqi flag over the local council building in al-Alam district (east of Tikrit),” asserting that, “Great losses in lives and equipment were inflicted upon the ISIS group elements.”

The source pointed out that the remaining elements of the group fled to Hawija across al-Fatha Bridge northeast of Baiji district.