Second Battle of Tikrit

Second Battle of Tikrit was a major military offensive during the Iraqi Civil War (2014–2017) to recapture the city of Tikrit from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. The operation, codenamed Operation Decisive Victory by the Iraqi government, involved a complex coalition of Iraqi Armed Forces, Shia-dominated Popular Mobilization Forces, and advisors from the Islamic Republic of Iran. After a prolonged siege and intense urban combat, the city was liberated, marking a significant strategic and symbolic victory for the Government of Iraq in its campaign against ISIL.

Background

The city of Tikrit, the capital of Saladin Governorate and hometown of former dictator Saddam Hussein, fell to Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant fighters in June 2014 during the Northern Iraq offensive (June 2014). Its capture was a major propaganda coup for ISIL and provided a strategic stronghold along the Tigris River between Mosul and Baghdad. Following the failure of the First Battle of Tikrit in mid-2014, Iraqi forces regrouped. Planning for a renewed offensive intensified after successful operations in Baiji and the Siege of Amirli, with key coordination provided by Qasem Soleimani of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The operation aimed to sever ISIL supply lines and set conditions for a future assault on Mosul.

The battle

The offensive was launched on 2 March 2015 from multiple axes, with ground forces primarily consisting of the Popular Mobilization Forces and units of the Iraqi Army. Initial advances were made from the south and east, capturing towns like Al-Alam and Al-Dour. The coalition faced fierce resistance, including extensive use of improvised explosive devices, suicide bombings, and sniper fire. A pivotal moment came with the recapture of the Tikrit Presidential Palace and the surrounding complex. The advance stalled in central Tikrit by late March, leading to a protracted siege. The involvement of United States Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force aircraft, beginning on 25 March after a request from Haider al-Abadi, provided crucial close air support and broke the stalemate, allowing Iraqi forces to clear the city methodically.

Aftermath

The victory at Tikrit was hailed as a turning point, demonstrating the effectiveness—though fraught with tension—of the coalition between the Iraqi government, Popular Mobilization Forces, and United States-led Operation Inherent Resolve. It restored government control over most of Saladin Governorate and boosted morale for the upcoming Battle of Mosul. However, the campaign was marred by allegations of war crimes by some Shia militias against the predominantly Sunni population, including reports of executions and widespread property destruction. The city suffered catastrophic damage to its infrastructure, requiring extensive reconstruction, and the victory deepened sectarian divides while solidifying the political influence of the Popular Mobilization Forces.

Order of battle

The pro-government forces comprised a diverse array of units. The core ground elements included the Iraqi Army's 9th Armoured Division and Iraqi Federal Police regiments. The Popular Mobilization Forces contributed major brigades such as the Badr Organization led by Hadi al-Amiri, Kata'ib Hezbollah, and Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq. The Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service played a key role in complex urban clearing operations. Advisory and logistical support was provided by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' Quds Force, led by Qasem Soleimani, and Hezbollah personnel. ISIL defenses were organized around local Wilayah Salahuddin forces, including foreign fighters and experienced commanders from the Battle of Mosul (2014).

Casualties

Official figures were disputed, but estimates suggest pro-government forces suffered between 200 and 300 killed. Popular Mobilization Forces units reportedly sustained the heaviest losses. ISIL fatalities were estimated at over 1,000, with many fighters killed in airstrikes. The battle caused significant civilian suffering; hundreds were killed or executed by retreating ISIL fighters, and over 100,000 residents were displaced from Tikrit and surrounding areas. The extensive use of artillery and airstrikes resulted in the near-total destruction of districts like Qadisiya and severe damage to historic sites, including parts of Saddam Hussein's former palace complex.