After months of preparations, a combined force of some 30,000 Iraqi troops and militia are engaged in a full-blown assault on Daesh (the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) positions in and around Tikrit.
This assault comes after the forces cleared their way north of Baghdad, turning back the tide of the insurgents who have claimed a string of territorial gains in the past nine months.
The ground offensive is long overdue and comes after months of sustained air strikes against Daesh positions across Syria and Iraq. The air strikes, no matter how well coordinated and utilising the latest target-acquisition technologies, could never be expected to eradicate Daesh on the ground nor prevent the terrorists from reclaiming positions or imposing their torturous rule.
Simply put, a sustained ground offensive is the only way to effectively eradicate these barbaric killers.
But let’s also be clear: Taking Tikrit is just the first phase of what will be a long and difficult campaign. Once Tikrit is retaken, the Iraqi army and its allies must turn their attention to retaking Mosul.
And while the main aim is to defeat Daesh, the advancing Iraqi force must also try an minimise civilian casualties. Daesh has shown itself to have scant regard for the lives of those who reside in territory under its command. These civilians have been traumatised greatly, exposed to horrors and subjected to arbitrary and cruel rules. Sparing as many as possible now in their push north would be a blessing.
