Iraqi Forces Withdraw From Tikrit Offensive After Heavy Mortar Fire

Iraqi military have turn back from the militant-held city of Tikrit after their new offensive met heavy resistance, in a blow to the government attempt to push back Sunni rebels controlling large parts of the country.

The failure shows up the difficulties of Baghdad’s move violently to re-seize territory from the rebels who captured Mosul.

Tikrit and other cities last month in a swift offensive which intimidates to fragment Iraq on ethnic and sectarian lines.

The delay came as Iraqi politicians named a moderate Sunni Islamist as speaker of parliament Tuesday.

That was a long-delayed first step to a power-sharing government immediately needed to face up to the militants, who are led by the Al-Qaeda offshoot Islamic State of Iraq and Greater Syria (ISIS).

Iraqi Forces Withdraw From Tikrit Offensive After Heavy Mortar Fire