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Iraq launches Tikrit operation Iraq launches Tikrit operation against Islamic State
(35 minutes later)
Iraq has launched a military operation to recapture Saddam Hussein's hometown of Tikrit from Islamic State, Iraqi TV says. Iraq has launched a military operation to recapture Saddam Hussein's hometown of Tikrit from Islamic State (IS), Iraqi TV says.
This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version. Local media reported that forces were attacking the city, backed by airstrikes from Iraqi fighter jets.
If you want to receive Breaking News alerts via email, or on a smartphone or tablet via the BBC News App then details on how to do so are available on this help page. You can also follow @BBCBreaking on Twitter to get the latest alerts. Tikrit lies 150km (95 miles) north of the capital Baghdad and was seized by IS militants in June 2014.
Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi earlier met military leaders in Salahuddin province, ahead of the advance.
He offered to pardon all Sunni tribal fighters who abandoned IS.
Al-Iraqiya TV said that IS militants had been dislodged from some areas outside Tikrit but this has not been confirmed.