First Battle of Tikrit

First Battle of Tikrit

The First Battle of Tikrit was a military engagement that took place between 26 June and 15 July 2014, during the Iraqi Civil War (2014–2017). The battle was fought between the Iraqi Armed Forces and the ISIL for control of the city of Tikrit, the capital of the Salah al-Din Governorate in Iraq.

Background

In early June 2014, ISIL launched a major offensive in northern Iraq, capturing several key cities, including Mosul and Tikrit. The rapid advance of ISIL forces prompted the Iraqi government to launch a counter-offensive to retake lost territory.

The Battle

The battle began on 26 June 2014, when Iraqi government forces attempted to retake Tikrit from ISIL control. The operation involved a combination of Iraqi Army units, Shia militias, and Sunni tribesmen. Despite initial gains, the Iraqi forces faced stiff resistance from well-entrenched ISIL fighters.

The Iraqi Air Force conducted several airstrikes on ISIL positions in and around Tikrit, but these efforts were hampered by a lack of precision and intelligence. ISIL employed guerrilla tactics, including ambushes and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), to slow the advance of Iraqi forces.

By mid-July, it became clear that the Iraqi forces were unable to dislodge ISIL from Tikrit. On 15 July 2014, the Iraqi government announced the suspension of the offensive, effectively conceding control of the city to ISIL.

Aftermath

The failure to retake Tikrit was a significant setback for the Iraqi government and highlighted the challenges faced by the Iraqi military in combating ISIL. The city remained under ISIL control until the Second Battle of Tikrit in March 2015, when a renewed offensive, supported by Iranian advisors and U.S.-led coalition airstrikes, successfully recaptured the city.

See also

• Second Battle of Tikrit
• Iraqi Civil War (2014–2017)
• Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant

External links

• [Link to external resources]