Iraqi Shia Militia and Security Forces Retake Al-Alam

Major Victory for General Soleimani

Iran-led coalition of Iraq’s People’s Mobilization Forces (PMF), the umbrella organization of the country’s predominantly Shia militias, Iraqi Security Forces (ISF), elements of Sunni tribal fighters and the Quds Force advisers and personnel, under the command of Quds Force Commander General Qasem Soleimani, today retook the town of al-Alam, on the northern edge of Tikrit.

The coalition had already blocked ISIL’s positions north, south, and west of Tikrit, and has now encircled the city held by ISIL insurgents. The recapture of al-Alam was the immediate goal of the operation, which would be used as the staging ground to enter into Tikrit City. This is a major victory for Soleimani and his forces.

Photo credit: PMF and ISF fighters preparing to launch mortar shells and rockets against ISIL positions outside Tikrit; 4 March 2015 (AP)