Iraq in talks over Tikrit retaking operation

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Abadi discussed with his Defense Minister Khaled Ubaidi and Joint Operations Commander Taleb Shagati the second stage of the current security operation aiming at freeing Tikrit from the hands of Daesh militants.
The defense minister promised to make all efforts to make sure that all food and necessary supplies are sent to the locals.
On Wednesday, Iraq announced the start of a military operation to retake Tikrit with the participation of the US-led international alliance.
U.S. warplanes launched airstrikes on Tikrit Wednesday afternoon at the request of the Iraqi government to pave the way for the largest anti-militant operation since the terrorist group declared its so-called caliphate in June.
Fighters from Iran-backed Shiite militias, the Popular Mobilization Committee, local battalions and Sunni brigades will participate in the campaign to eradicate Daesh from the largely Sunni city just north of Baghdad.