First Battle of Tikrit

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== First Battle of Tikrit ==

The First Battle of Tikrit was a significant military engagement that took place during the Iraqi Civil War (2014–2017). The battle occurred in the city of Tikrit, the capital of the Salah al-Din Governorate in northern Iraq. This battle was part of a larger campaign by the Iraqi government and its allies to reclaim territory from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

Background

In June 2014, ISIL launched a major offensive in northern Iraq, capturing several key cities, including Mosul and Tikrit. The fall of Tikrit, the hometown of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, was a significant blow to the Iraqi government. The city became a strategic stronghold for ISIL, which used it as a base to launch further operations in the region.

The Battle

The First Battle of Tikrit began in March 2015, when the Iraqi Army, supported by Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and Iranian military advisors, launched an offensive to retake the city. The operation was one of the largest military efforts against ISIL at the time and involved thousands of troops.

The battle was marked by intense urban warfare, with ISIL fighters using guerrilla tactics, including improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and snipers, to defend their positions. The Iraqi forces faced significant challenges due to the heavily fortified nature of the city and the presence of booby traps and mines.

Outcome

After weeks of fierce fighting, the Iraqi forces managed to recapture most of Tikrit by early April 2015. The victory was a major morale boost for the Iraqi government and its allies, demonstrating their ability to reclaim territory from ISIL. However, the battle also resulted in significant destruction to the city and a humanitarian crisis, with many civilians displaced by the fighting.

Aftermath

The recapture of Tikrit was followed by efforts to clear the city of remaining ISIL fighters and to restore basic services and infrastructure. The battle also set the stage for subsequent operations to retake other ISIL-held territories, including the crucial city of Mosul.

Related Pages

• Iraqi Civil War (2014–2017)
• Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant
• Mosul
• Salah al-Din Governorate
• Popular Mobilization Forces
• Saddam Hussein