US Joins Battle for Tikrit, Militias Balk

The United States has joined the effort to liberate the Iraqi city of Tikrit from the hands of the Islamic State, causing a number of militias to say they will no long participate in the offensive. 

Reuters reports that US involvement in the campaign to take back Tikrit began Wednesday, March 25. The US coalition conducted 17 airstrikes while Iraqi forces carried out another 24. The aerial bombardment seems to have provided some breathing room for Iraqi ground troops, as Iraqi special forces made modest headway into the contested city.

The New York Times reports that because of US involvement in the battle for Tikrit, a number of prominent Shia militias with Iranian backing have said they will no longer participate in the assault on Tikrit.

The Times and Reuters both report that the withdrawal of the militias from the frontlines was a precondition for US involvement, but the militias themselves claim they have evacuated the front of their own accord.

Whatever the truth of the situation may be, there is no denying that the absence of thousands of troops from the battle will only serve to benefit ISIS and prolong the campaign for Tikrit. The Times estimates that the absence of these militias leaves the Iraqi forces with around 10,000 less than fighters than before. Other Shia militias are said to be debating whether or not they should continue the fight for Tikrit now that US forces are involved.

Many of the militias have their origins in the US invasion and occupation of Iraq, and have fought against US forces previously.  

The Times notes that Iraqi forces suffered another setback in addition to the withdrawal of the Shia militias. At least 7 Iraqi fighters were killed in an errant airstrike.