US Air Force jets struck positions of�Iraqi anti-ISIL forces during�clashes near�Tikrit, injuring several fighters, Iran's Fars News Agency reports.

The Iraqi army, together with�militias, launched an offensive on�the northern city of�Tikrit onThursday, after�Iraq's Defense Minister Khalid Obeidi said that Tikrit was completely surrounded by�the country's military and local militias.

On Wednesday, the Unites States began airstrikes against�Islamic State militants in�Tikrit. US forces previously were not involved in�the Tikrit operation.

By Sputnik News