Iraqi forces say they've managed to retake certain areas of Saddam Hussein's hometown Tikrit from the Islamic State.
Backed by Shiite militias, Iraqi armed forces say they've captured part of the northern perimeter of Tikrit.
"The al-Hashid al-Shaabi, Iraqi armed forces, federal police and tribes of the district were able to achieve great victories, God willing. As I told you the day before yesterday, we have started the second chapter of liberating Salahuddin province and we were able to liberate Gusaiba Hill and now we have reached al-Alam."
The offensive in Tikrit is said to be the biggest Iraqi government operation against the Islamic State since it swept through northern Iraq last summer.
Tikrit lies just 130 kilometres north of Baghdad.
The battle for Tikrit is being viewed as a critical test for Iraqi forces in the impending drive toward the city of Mosul.
Iraq's second largest city, the gateway to the north, was overrun by Islamic State militants last summer without a fight.
