article_snippet: Iraqi warplanes and artillery began pounding Tikrit this morning as 30,000 troops and irregulars prepared to attack the city, a stronghold of the Islamic State insurgency.
article_snippet: Security forces are advancing on three main fronts towards Tikrit, Ad-Dawr (to the south) and Al-Alam (to the north),' a senior army officer on the ground told AFP by telephone.
article_snippet: The attack is being carried out using fighter jets, helicopters and artillery targeting Tikrit to secure the advance and cut supply routes,' a senior army officer on the ground said.
article_snippet: Iraqi armoured personnel carriers are lined up ahead of the attack on Tikrit today .
highlights_snippet: Artillery and warplanes began pounding Tikrit this morning ahead of attack .
  