Iraq puts Tikrit operation on hold to allow civilians to leave

Iraqi forces have temporarily put on hold their military operation to take back Tikrit from the Takfiri ISIL terrorists to allow civilians to leave the northern city.

According to Press TV, Iraq’s Interior Minister Mohammed Salem al-Ghabban made the announcement in the nearby city of Samarra on Monday, adding that the offensive has so far managed to achieve 90 percent of its objectives.

He added that the ISIL terrorists have been forced to gather in a small part of the city center.
The ISIL extremist group has booby-trapped buildings and roads leading to Tikrit, therefore, Iraqi forces, backed by volunteer fighters have decreased the speed of their push to reduce their own causalities, protect the infrastructure and let residents leave, Ghabban said.

The minister did not specify when the operations would restart, saying that is being “left to the field commanders.”