thousands members of the Iraqi military are attacking ISIS targets in Tikrit . Local officials claim jihadis are already starting to abandon their bases . Senior figure in the local ISIS group has been killed , regime forces claim . But Iraqi officials have said roadside bombs are now slowing the offensive . Liberating Tikrit is vital if Iraqi regime is to wrestle back control of Mosul . Mosul is an oil-rich ISIS stronghold just 140 miles to the north of Tikrit .
30,000 members of the Iraqi military are attacking ISIS targets in Tikrit . Local officials claim jihadis are already starting to abandon their bases . Senior figure in the local ISIS group has been killed , regime forces claim . But Iraqi officials have said roadside bombs are now slowing the offensive . Liberating Tikrit is vital if Iraqi regime is to wrestle back control of Mosul . Mosul is an oil-rich ISIS stronghold just 140 miles to the north of Tikrit .