The Iraqi army is trying to encircle the EI in Tikrit

The Iraqi army continued its offensive on Wednesday to retake the city of Tikrit hands of the Islamic State Group (EI). The soldiers are still twenty miles of this strategic city. They slowly and methodically progressing from three fronts to encircle the city and cut off the supply lines of the jihadists. The battle, which began there three days, mobilized some 30,000 men, many Shiite militiamen. Iran is involved in the operations.

The recovery of Tikrit could start another battle, that of Mosul, the largest city in northern Iraq, also controlled by the Islamic state.

Furthermore, the international coalition said they conducted since Monday morning fifteen airstrikes in Syria and Iraq. Kobane and around Mosul, in particular, were targeted.

According to estimates provided by an American general, about 8,500 jihadist fighters have died since the strikes began in August.