Islamic State crisis: View from Tikrit battle's front line

Iraqi government forces and their Shia militia allies are reported to be making significant progress towards recapturing the city of Tikrit from Islamic State (IS) fighters.

On the approaches to the city, the black flags of IS are being replaced with pro-government banners.

Meanwhile Iran's very public role in the advance is being contrasted with the absence of US participation.

The BBC's Ahmed Maher reports from the front line of the conflict near Tikrit.