MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Iraqi government forces are supported by local militias and volunteers, the newspaper said.
The Iraqi Air Force conducted 25 airstrikes on ISIL positions in Tirkit, Iraqi News said, citing a security source.
The information has not been confirmed by Baghdad.
Earlier on Thursday, Iraqi Defense Minister Khalid Obeidi said that Tikrit was completely surrounded by the country's military and local militias.
On Wednesday, the Unites States began airstrikes against Islamic State militants in Tikrit. US forces previously were not involved in the Tikrit operation.
