Security forces keep up offensive against IS

(7 Mar 2015) A video filmed by a freelance cameraman on Saturday showed the Iraqi army and members of the Shiite Militia attacking Islamic State (IS) group forces in the outskirts of the Iraqi town of Tikrit. The footage showed soldiers firing machine guns and mortars towards what they believed were IS positions. At least three injured soldiers were seen being taken for treatment behind the lines. Iraqi troops were unable to advance on the town due to roadside bombs and other explosive devices, according the Iraqi military. The battle for Tikrit, a strategic city along the River Tigris, likely will be won or lost on allied Iraqi forces' ability to counter the extremists' bombs. Tikrit, the provincial capital of Salahuddin province, is located 80 miles (130 kilometres) north of Baghdad. It was taken by IS, along with the country's second-largest city, Mosul, during the militants' lightning push last year across the north. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...