New Aircraft in Iraq Will Bolster the Push Against the Islamic State

The Iraqi army continues to press its offensive north of Baghdad with the primary focal point centered on the city of Tikrit, where significant numbers of Sunni militants continue to hold out. The government forces' attack on Tikrit began with a June 26 helicopter assault that landed troops close to the city's university. The landing forces suffered heavy casualties, and militants brought down one or two aircraft. Armored columns reached the city June 28 but were forced back due to stiff resistance and a number of improvised explosive devices strategically placed in the approaches to the city.