Islamic State advances, Iraq troops withdraw from Tikrit

Tikrit: Iraqi forces have withdrawn from the militant-held city of Tikrit after their new offensive met heavy resistance. It is a blow to the government effort to push back Sunni insurgents controlling large parts of the country.

The failure highlights the difficulties of Baghdad’s struggle to recapture territory from the insurgents who seized Mosul, Tikrit and other cities last month. Government troops and allied Shia volunteer fighters have retreated from Tikrit to a base 4 km south.