Battle rages for IS-held Iraqi city of Tikrit

Fierce clashes are taking place around the Iraqi city of Tikrit, as soldiers and militiamen attack Islamic State positions in the centre.

Battles were reported in the suburb of al-Dour, the western al-Zuhur district, the northern area of Qadisiya, and near the Teaching Hospital in the south.

But - as one senior commander, Moeen al-Kadhimi, told the BBC's Ahmed Maher - the government advance has been slowed by roadside bombs planted by IS.