Baghdad, March 3 (RHC)-- Iraqi forces and militias are continuing their largest offensive to date against the so-called Islamic State as they seek to retake the city of Tikrit.
Iranian advisers and Iranian-backed Shiite militias are playing a key role in the campaign for the Sunni city, with reports of Iranian troops even operating artillery in the area.
U.S. officials, meanwhile, have expressed surprise over the Tikrit operation, and the Pentagon has said it is not providing air support because it was not requested.
