The US began airstrikes on Islamic State positions in Tikrit late Wednesday, supporting a stalled offensive to retake the city in northern Iraq.
The Iraqi army and Shia militias, supported by Iranian commanders, launched the offensive three weeks ago. After early success taking territory near Tikrit and moving into parts of the city, the assault has been held up for more than a week.
Iraqi commanders initially said they were awaiting reinforcements to defeat the remaining Islamic State fighters. Earlier this week, the officers — despite the opposition of militia leaders — began speaking of the need for US airstrikes.
On Wednesday, arrangements moved quickly. The Americans confirmed that they were carrying out surveillance flights, giving the information to Iraqi forces on the ground. The staff of President Fuad Masum and US officials established an advisory committee, with Masum’s spokesman indicating the President would support bombing.
See Iraq Feature: US to Shia Militias — We’ll Bomb Islamic State in Tikrit…If You Push Iran to the Side
Last night, Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi made the request required by the Americans to begin their air attacks. American officials said President Obama personally confirmed the US expansion of operations beyond northern and western Iraq, where it has carried out airstrikes since last August.
The US commander of Iraq operations, Lieutenant James L. Terry, said in a statement on Wednesday night:
These strikes are intended to destroy ISIL [Islamic State] strongholds with precision, thereby saving innocent Iraqi lives while minimizing collateral damage to infrastructure. This will further enable Iraqi forces under Iraqi command to maneuver and defeat ISIL in the vicinity of Tikrit.
Prime Minsiter Abadi said on State TV last night:
The time of freedom has just been started. We announce today what we have promised you yesterday, that we are going to liberate and clear each spot of our territory, and ISIS won’t have a foothold on Iraq’s land.
