article_snippet: And a 20,000-strong force in Iraq is reportedly 'one week away' from taking back the city of Tikrit - former President Saddam Hussein's home town.
article_snippet: Despite taking areas to the north and south, Islamic State fighters still hold about half the city, have booby-trapped buildings and laid roadside bombs making it a death-trap to traverse.
article_snippet: The pro-government force desperate to drive the extremists out of half the city comprises 3,000 Iraqi troops, 20,000 militiamen and smaller factions of tribesmen.
article_snippet: And a 20,000-strong force in Iraq is reportedly 'one week away' from taking back the city of Tikrit (pictured)
article_snippet: The pro-government force desperate to drive the extremists out of Tikrit (pictured) comprises 3,000 Iraqi troops, 20,000 militiamen and smaller factions of tribesmen .
article_snippet: Even though pro-Iraqi soldiers (pictured) have taken areas to the north and south of Tikrit, Islamic State fighters still hold about half the city .
article_snippet: One militia group's leader said ISIS still hold about 70 per cent of Tikrit's town centre but Islamic State fighters would 'liberate' it even if street-to-street fighting was needed.
highlights_snippet: Meanwhile 20,000-strong force 'one week away' from retaking Tikrit in Iraq .
  