Friday, January 30, 2015

Obama: "We've Beat Back ISIS". Iraqi Police: " ISIS Blows Up 10 Saddam-Era Palaces in Tikrit"

1/30/2015

BAGHDAD – Jihadists belonging to the Islamic State organization blew up 10 palaces dating from the Saddam Hussein era (1979-2003) in Tikrit, the late president’s birthplace, police sources told Efe.

According to those sources, among the palaces destroyed is Al Faruq, the largest presidential palace, which was built in Tikrit, capital of the province of Saladin, 170 kilometers (105 miles) north of Baghdad.

The other buildings were being used as government offices by the provincial authorities until the city was captured last June by the IS jihadists, the same sources added.

Witnesses said many IS fighters departed Tikrit carrying weapons and furniture towards the town of Alm, 15 kilometers (9 miles) northeast of the city.

Meanwhile, Iraqi forces were said to be preparing to launch an offensive against Tikrit and northern areas of Saladin, after managing to liberate various areas in the south of the province earlier this month.


source

No comments: