Operation to retake Tikrit from ISIS begins

Baghdad - Iraq's state TV says government forces backed by allied Shi’ite and Sunni fighters have begun a large-scale military operation to recapture Saddam Hussein's hometown from ISIS.

Al-Iraqiya television said on Monday that the forces were attacking the city of Tikrit, backed by artillery and airstrikes by Iraqi fighter jets. It said the militants were dislodged from some areas outside the city, but gave no details.

Hours ahead of the operation, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi called on Sunni tribal fighters to abandon the extremist group, promising them a pardon.